26 June 1957 – 25 July 2026
James Ord Woodward Fonger, 69, of Caledon, Ontario, passed away suddenly on Saturday, July 25th, 2026. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 40 years, Leanne; his sons Jason (Bridget DeMarsh) and Dylan (Piper McCutcheon); his granddaughter Romy; his sister Joy Garrick; his brothers Rob and Rick; and many other family members and friends.
Jim was born in Toronto on June 26th, 1957, the youngest of four. His mother, Doris, was a professional musician and a talented visual artist; his father, Dick, spent most of his career as an arts media producer with the CBC. When Jim was a baby the family moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake, where his father tried his hand at farming, and where Jim’s sister Joy played an important role in raising him. Jim was always very lively and inquisitive, even as a baby. He was curious about everything. On the family farm, they grew a variety of fruits and vegetables, including peaches, cherries, tomatoes, and grapes. When Jim was three, he went missing in the vineyard, perhaps early foreshadowing of his affection for red wine. He was too short to be seen over the vines, and to make matters worse, he was wearing all green. The perfect camouflage. It took the family quite a long time to find him.
The family moved several more times during Jim’s childhood. From Niagara to Etobicoke in 1961, then to North York a couple of years later before moving yet again to Thornhill, where Jim spent the rest of his elementary and secondary school years. It was as teenagers that Jim and Leanne first came into orbit of one another. They went to the same high school but ran with different circles of friends. Though neither knew it yet, each had already crossed paths with their soulmate.
Jim studied economics at York University from 1975 to 1979, arming himself with the knowledge and skills he would need for the many ambitious projects that lay ahead. He also planted the seeds of friendships that brought him tremendous joy and endured the test of time. Those who had the privilege of calling Jim a friend know what an incredible and unique gift that friendship was. He was a glass-half-full type of guy, but it was much more than that. Jim somehow always seemed to know just the right way to fill the glass of a friend who needed some topping up. A good meal, a glass of red, a round of golf: these were some of the frequent settings for the thousands of meaningful, supportive, and insightful conversations he had over the course of his life.
After graduating from York, Jim began his career in radio. From 1979 to 1982, at Telemedia Ontario, he engineered Toronto Blue Jays home game broadcasts alongside legendary sports broadcaster Tom Cheek and Hall of Fame pitcher Early Wynn. From 1982 to 1989 he served as Sales Manager, and later Director of Operations, at CFNY-FM (now 102.1 The Edge). Following CFNY’s move to the CN Tower in 1983, the station found itself competing in the much larger and increasingly complex Toronto radio market. During a challenging period for the station, Jim took on greater operational responsibility and helped guide an effort to broaden its audience while maintaining its commitment to introducing listeners to new music. Jim’s efforts helped the station make it through that period, and he handled the situation with the practical business judgement and steady leadership that would characterize the rest of his career.
As significant as that work was, something even more special was unfolding alongside it. Leanne was also working in radio, and once again she and Jim found themselves in each other’s orbit. This time, there was no stopping the gravitational pull between them. They married on August 10th, 1985, and within five years had moved to Bolton where they raised their two boys, Jason and Dylan. These boys grew up in a home overflowing with love. Jim and Leanne were the perfect teammates and together they indeed built the life they’d both dreamed about. The two sailed skillfully, and gracefully (and — on many occasions — literally) through life’s ups and downs. Jim had an unshakable commitment to his sweetheart Leanne, and she to him. His love for her was clear in both his actions and his words. Jim would never leave home without first telling Leanne he loved her, and kissing her goodbye. It was surely no easy task to ensure their boys always felt safe and secure given Jim’s dynamic career, but Jim and Leanne had a love so strong that, to the boys, it all seemed effortless.
In 1990, Jim’s ambitious entrepreneurial drive was officially unleashed on the world when he co-founded Zenox Communications (later DCCI and Telmetrics), leading it as President and CEO for its first eleven years. Zenox pioneered technology that connected computer applications with telephone networks, laying important groundwork for the modern call-tracking industry and allowing marketing companies and phone directories to prove exactly which advertisements were making the phone ring.
The years that followed were filled with a healthy dose of professional trial and error as Jim experimented and explored — searching for his next thing. He took the opportunity to dedicate even more time to his family. Jim was a tremendously supportive and loving father. He also gave generously to the communities he lived in, and was like a second father to many of his sons’ friends. From building a rink in their backyard when the boys could barely skate to coaching each of their hockey teams many times throughout the years. From taking Jay and Dyl to see their favourite punk rock bands in concert when they were little, to setting up a basement jam space for their band rehearsals (and parties of epic proportions). He took genuine interest in absolutely anything his boys shared with him. No matter how crazy things were professionally, any time Jay or Dyl needed council, he was there. Both boys shared many nights in the hot tub with their dad, staring at the stars — or on the family room couch gazing into the fire their dad had built — conversing about life’s biggest questions and deepening their connection. Jim’s boys have always admired and looked up to him. Jay and Dyl cherish these and many other memories they have with him during those formative years of their lives. They feel incredibly fortunate to forever have him as their dad, as they know he will always be there for them in a starry night sky, or in the warm glow of a fire.
In 2007, with awareness of global warming rising, Jim was paying attention. He co-founded H2Green Energy Corporation, and got to work. It was the beginning of nearly two decades in Canada’s renewable energy sector. He joined Ameresco in 2011, spending six years as a Client Solutions Developer and six more as a Vice-President, and served as Chair of Energy Storage Canada. From 2024 to 2026 he was President of Rodan Distributed Energy Resources, where he and his son Dylan worked side by side. Jim leaves behind a professional legacy defined by visionary leadership in pioneering utility-scale battery storage and advanced microgrid systems in Canada. He spent two decades shaping progressive policy, championing distributed energy resources, and laying a lasting, sustainable foundation that will help advance Canada’s energy storage sector for years to come. His colleagues will remember him as an invaluable trailblazer for Canada’s energy transition.
Jim’s work ethic was formidable, but his passion for enjoying life outside of work was just as strong — if not even greater. He had many hobbies and interests. From sailing to squash. From solving sudoku puzzles to playing scrabble (Jim was known for playing suspiciously-spelled words). From eating butter tarts to baking birthday cakes. From hosting new years eve parties to heading south for some time on the beach. From cheering on the Toronto Maple Leafs in his team jersey and hat to cranking his favourite records on his stereo. From skiing trips to cycling adventures (frequently also in his ski suit). Throughout it all, he laughed and smiled and made those around him smile.
His last few months were some of the happiest of his life. He was living life to the fullest. You could feel his excitement as he spoke about what his next venture would look like, but his top priority was clearly enjoying each day doing what he loved most, with the people he loved most. On many occasions in his last weeks, Jim spoke with Leanne about the tremendous gratitude he felt for “how good things are.” He treasured the quality time he was having each day with his soulmate. He had recently become the proud grandfather of a beautiful baby girl. He was golfing several times a week with many of his favourite people, and said one of the courses was the most beautiful he had ever played.
It was a perfect sunny morning on Saturday, July 25th when Jim set out on a bike ride with his son Jason and a friend. Jim and Jason had looked forward to completing this ride together for years. The three of them rode the Lake Country Oro-Medonte Rail Trail from Barrie to Orillia, where they stopped for cinnamon buns, coffee, and a few laughs before turning back. On the way home, while riding beside his son, Jim’s heart suddenly gave out — a heart that had never been fuller than it was that morning.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, Dick and Doris Fonger; his father-in-law Jack Schaefer and mother-in-law Shirley Schaefer; and his brother-in-law David Garrick.
A Celebration of Life for Jim will be held on Wednesday, August 26th, 2026, from 1–3 PM at Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street South (Hwy. 50), Bolton (905-857-2213). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Mark Stevens
So much love for Leeann Jay and Dyl and so much sadness because Sharon and I will miss him so much. You are all in our thoughts – as well as Shaun’s and Adam’s. What a beautifully written tribute to a fabulous friend!
Natasha Richardson
Sending love to Leanne, Jason, Dylan and all of our Fonger cousins as you mourn a man who meant so much to so many. May Jim rest in peace.
Carmen W Woodburn
Leanne and sons, so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Much too young. Hopefully your memories will support you in the years to come.
Dima Zolkin
What a cool guy and awesome dad, I always thought.
I was always welcome in his home and treated like family. Many great memories at the Fonger residence.
I’m sorry for your loss Jay, Dyl and Leanne. Jim was an OG and will be remembered fondly.
Beth and Sandy Speers
Leanne, Jason and Dylan,
We were shocked to read about Jim’s passing. This is so very sad. We really have great memories of time spent with your family many years ago.
We are keeping you in our hearts and prayers.
Kevin Schlauch
It was an honour and a privilege to get to work with Jim at Rodan, and even join him on a few road trips which always ended with a shared bottle of wine 🙂
He was a great human being and all of us are richer for having known him.
Stephanie Watt
Leanne and family
Larry and I send our deepest sympathies to you on the untimely loss of your wonderful incredible Jim. The loss in our community is real.
Danny Kingsbury
I’m shocked and saddened at this news! Jim brought me to Toronto in 1989 to work with him at CFNY. He was very kind to me and I loved working with him. Although we hadn’t connected in a long while I thought of him and Leanne and the boys quite often. We all shared some cottage time together and had a lot of fun. An eternal optimist, it was always a pleasure to spend time with him. Our condolences to all and may you rest in Peace brother!
Oliver Dawson
Although I haven’t seen or spoken to Jim in over 50 years, he was a person one does not easily forget. In our high school heydays at Thornhill Secondary, Jim was an important player of our circle of friends. Because his birthday was earlier than most of us, he was one of the few legally allowed to drive. How many rides we shared in his VW Beetle I cannot count. They were such good times we spent together.
Both charming and emotionally intelligent beyond his years, Jim was an honest to goodness gentleman. Condolences to his wife Leanne who I remember from my high school days and his family. Gone too soon. Always remembered.
Victoria Hunter
Thinking of you Leanne and your family, my heartfelt sympathy for your loss of Jim.
Robyn Dennys (Cowan)
This is heart breaking. I considered Jim my second father in highschool, we had so many fond memories at the Fonger residence. He was such a kind, gentle soul & raised two incredible boys.
My sincere condolences to Leanne, Jay & Dyl. Thinking of you all xoxo
Paul Moore
I am sorry and saddened to learn of the Fonger family loss, not only of “Jimmy” (too young and too soon) but also the recent passing of David Garrick. I first met Rick, Jim and their parents when they moved into our Thornhill neighbourhood in 1965. Even then, as an eight-year-old boy, it was very clear that Jim was multi-talented, effervescent and intellectually gifted. I enjoyed reading of his many accomplishments, friendships and the deep love he shared with his family. My sincere condolences to you all.
Bob Quinlan
I had the pleasure of working with both Jim and Dylan at Rodan. Jim brough his genuine smile and quick wit everywhere he went. I always had a good day when I ran into him in the office or when we would hit the road to visit clients together. I don’t think we ever had a boring watercooler conversation about the weather, he always had a funny story or interesting topic to discuss. My favourite memory of Jim was on Halloween when he came dressed as Steve Jobs, all he had to do was put on a black turtleneck and he had my vote for best costume.
The real highlight of working with Jim was when Dylan joined the DER team. Their relationship was special and it was very obvious how much they both enjoyed working with each other. I think it’s safe to say that is one of the truest tests of a strong father-son relationship. Their sense of humor and impeccable comedic timing always made the office a fun place to be.
kendra
i am so so sad to hear of this. me and jim spent many a session at the caledon centre, him letting me ‘torture him’ as he put it. i always looked forward to having him train with me and he had the best attitude (even after an evening of drinking wine with the stevenses – he always blamed them)
rest in peace my friend
love and hugs to you mrs fonger ❤️
Janet McCormack
I was so shocked to hear this Leanne….Barb told me…I am so very sorry for your loss of Jim…also for your sons and their families. Thinking of you at this very sad time.
Debbie M
Leanne and family
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Jim, my thoughts are with the whole family in the days ahead. May you have many wonderful memories to remember him by.
Nancy Shaw
Leanne, Dylan and Jason,
Sending our condolences on the loss of Jim. We have many good memories from the lacrosse and hockey days.
Carl and Nancy Shaw
Jennie Yu
Complete and utter shock when I received word from a colleague of Jim’s sudden passing. I am SO very sorry for your family’s tremendous loss.
From the times we’ve chatted at the office during his time with Ameresco Canada, Jim was always so positive and full of zest for life. Glass half full is right! And when it came to Jim’s family, he always spoke of his family with love, pride and adoration; in a way that you could actually feel it you know?
I should also note that in addition to his many hobbies, interests and other extra curriculars, I remember Jim as being very fond of a good game of darts. We had to put our heads together briefly to figure out the proper height and distance at which to hang the dart board and tape the line; and I do recall many giggles were had during the process of setting up his new office. I truly believe that’s just a small testament to how Jim goes about everything in life. Positively.
Jim will be missed but I know he is Resting in Paradise.
Love and Light to everyone experiencing this sudden loss.
Sincerely,
Jennie Yu
Bonnie and Terry Grogan
We are so sorry to hear this tragic news. Our deepest condolences Leanne and boys.
The hockey and lacrosse days for our boys seemed so long ago, but the memories and Caledon community stay close to our hearts. What a beautiful written tribute. May all those memories stay close to your hearts.
The Grogan Family
suzanne Loriinczi
Deepest condolences to you Leanne, Jason and Dylan for your tragic loss. Being a cousin who lives far away I was grateful to read the remarkable obituary revealing the very rich life Jim led between his loving family and visionery business ventures plus a multitude of friends to mourn his loss. May you find much comfort and support from your very caring family and friends.
Sincerely
Suzanne
Mirella Zambon
Leanne,
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this time. May your memories bring you comfort and peace. ❤️
Ken Graham
Although we both studied Economics at York University at roughly the same time, I did not get to know Jim, but wish I did. Just reading your superb detailed obituary is an inspiration to the human spirit. The sky is the limit for people like Jim and his curiosity led to so many accomplishments. The World needs more positive, kind people like him.
As for that fateful bike ride from Barrie to Orillia, I also set out on bikes along that exact trail with a party of 3 to visit my cousin on Lake Simcoe near Orillia. We all found the bike ride tiring and longer than we expected. We were going to ride back but my cousin sensed our tiredness and instead put our bikes in his boat and drove us back to the Barrie harbour. Thank goodness. I send my heartfelt condolences to Leanne and the boys- such a lovely family.
Ken Graham, Bolton
Kim
Rest in peace dear Uncle Jim. Thank you for taking me to my first concert to see the Who. Boy did we have fun. I will miss your positive attitude and kind smile that you always had. We will be there for Aunt Leanne, the boys, Piper, Bridget, and sweet Romy as best we can. You lived a full, amazing life and we will all treasure our memories of you. Thank you for being a wonderful, caring, kind brother to our Mother Joy, Uncle Rob and Uncle Rick. You were an incredible husband to Leanne and such a supportive Dad to your children Jason and Dylan. I’m so glad you became a Grandpa. Your spirit lives on through the family and friends that you loved.
Much love always, Kimo……”And then!!!!!” I can still hear you laughing!!!!!
Adam Stevens
Jim played such a huge role in my life growing up, and I feel incredibly lucky that I got to know him the way I did.
As one of Jay and Dyl’s childhood friends, their place always felt like a second home. There was skateboarding, hockey, music, hanging around probably way longer than we were supposed to, and somehow Jim was always part of it. He had this rare ability to feel like a second dad, an uncle, and also just one of the guys you genuinely wanted to sit around and shoot the shit with.
As I get older, I think I appreciate even more what he was showing all of us back then. How to love your family, how to have a good time, how to care about people, how to show up, and maybe most importantly, how not to take yourself too seriously while doing any of it.
Jim had this optimism, humour and energy that filled a room. He seemed to know everybody, everybody seemed to know him, and I’m pretty sure half the neighbourhood probably has a Jim story. He and Leanne raised such an amazing family, and that always said a lot about the kind of person he was.
People say it takes a village to raise a kid, and looking back, Jim was absolutely part of mine. I know I’m not the only one who feels that way.
I’m heartbroken to hear he’s gone. Leanne, Jay, Dyl and the whole family, I love you guys so much. I’ll always be grateful for all those years, all the laughs, and for the example Jim set without ever needing to make a big deal about it.
What a guy. I’ll miss him.
Samantha Graydon
Leanne,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Jim. I am thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
~Samantha
Donna O'Brien
My deepest condolences to the Fonger Family. I send warm thoughts today, a tough one I know.
Donna one of the dog walkers in Legacy (Tucker)
Justin
Thinking of your family at this time. Jim was a great friend to me at Energy Storage Canada when I was just getting started. As Chair, he allowed me to try new things and experiment and always had my back. He will be sorely missed by everyone at the Association and throughout the sector. He was truly one of a kind.
Amy Cleroux
My greatest condolences to the family of a man who helped to shape Jay, one of the best guys I know. Though we never met, it’s clear he was a great man and that he will be so missed. I hope you can all find some comfort in knowing that in one way or another, he will always be with you.