James (Jim) Michael McIlroy, born June 16, 1944, passed away in his 80th year at Maine Medical in Portland, Maine, on March 20, 2024. Predeceased by his wife Hamako, and parents Doreen and Patrick McIlroy, Jim was born and raised in Huntsville, Ontario. He is brother to Sally (predeceased), Patrick (Barbara), Mary (predeceased), and Colleen Hannigan (Brian).
Jim’s lifelong passion for the ski industry took him to Japan in his early years to teach the Canadian ski technique. While there, he met his wife Hamako, an artist and skier. They spent their lives together running ski schools at Greek Peak(NY), Snowshoe(WV), and Sunday River(ME). Jim also supported Hamako’s talents as a gifted potter, building more than one kiln for her and hauling pottery to her shows over the years. From his vast experience on the slopes, Jim moved to designing, promoting, and selling safety equipment to ski hills and mountains across the US and Canada.
His love for motorcycles took him to the track to train. However, even the skills he gained there didn’t protect him from the car that put him in a chair for his last two decades.
He deeply loved his extended family, his nieces Shelley (Pattillo), and Caitlin (Veitch), nephew Sean (McIlroy) and great-nieces Tessa (Pattillo), Alex (Pattillo) and Coco (McIlroy).
Special thanks go out to Judy, Natasha and Heather, as well as other amazing homecare providers and neighbours, for the superb care that allowed Jim to remain in his own home he loved. To the staff and volunteers at Maine Medical in Portland (ME) and Stephen’s Hospital in Norway (ME), thank you as well for the care you provided Jim over the years.
In lieu of cards or flowers, please make a point of having a run or ride for him on something steep and fast. Hug your dog and do something that makes you and those around you smile like Jim did.
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Sorry to read of Jim’s passing. Last time I saw Jim was when I skied with him and Hamako. I came over from Ithica, New York to ski with them at Greek Peak. It was only about a 30 minute drive for some good night skiing with them. My condolences to the family and especially Colleen. Tom Buckley