JIM HOUBEN

It is with great sorrow that the family of James "Jim" Houben announce his unexpected passing on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017. Jim was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and is survived by his wife and best friend Diane (Maloney). He lived in Wartburg for much of his career, then enjoyed semi-retirement at McCullough Lake, Grey County, before moving back to Wartburg to spend more time with his grandkids.
 
His son, Adam, lives in Ottawa with his wife Ann Balasubramaniam and their 9 month son, Keeran, who loves laughing with Grandpa. His daughter Jenny lives in her childhood home in Wartburg, with husband Brad Weber, and three of grandpa's favourite blonde grandkids, Coleton (11), Hannah (8), and Blake (5).
 
Jim was born in St. Mary's Hospital, Nov. 13, 1956, son of the late John and Melanie (Damoiseaux) Houben who immigrated from Bunde, Netherlands in 1954. He leaves behind his loving siblings, John (Annie), Vickie, Lou (Kathy), Diane (Jeff), and Bob (Carolyn). They were always close, helping each other on numerous construction projects at all of their homes, and unwinding at many Houben Camperama's, and even together earlier on the day of his passing.
 
He is predeceased by his father and mother in-law, Wilfred and Ellen Maloney, and will be missed by the Maloney family Dennis (Bill), Donna (Fred), Mike (Patti), Terry (Pam), Elaine (Jay), Gloria (Darnell), Joan (Duncan), and Christine (Brendan).

Also, he will be missed by many nieces, nephews, and cousins in Canada and the Netherlands.

Jim was a certified carpenter and employed as a supervisor at Fred Groenestege Construction Ltd for most of his career, where he constructed many of Perth County's (and beyond) small and large-scale agricultural facilities. His strong work ethic and many skills enabled him to renovate and build an addition to their home in Wartburg, as well as the cottage on the lake - or "on golden pond" as Jim and Diane enjoyed calling it!

Friends will be received at the Lockhart Funeral Home, 109 Montreal St., Mitchell on Thursday, October 26, 2017 from 6-9 p.m. where the funeral service will be held on Friday at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. William Kramer officiating. A reception will follow at the Lockhart Reception Centre. Memorial donations to Stratford General Hospital Special Care Nursery Equipment Fund, United Way Perth-Huron or Thames Valley Children's Centre would be appreciated and may be made at LockhartFuneralHome.com