Obituary of James Alan Good

JAMES ALAN GOOD (1954 - 2005) On October 30th, 2005, after a long and heroic struggle at the age of fifty-one, James passed away at his home in Toronto, surrounded by many dear friends and the love of his life Mary Symons. Jim was born in St. John�s, Newfoundland. He is the beloved son of Reginald and Faith Good, brother of Linda and Edward, and sister-in-law Diane and uncle of John, Kate, Sam, Sara and Conor. Educated first at Prince of Wales Collegiate in St. John�s, from there he pursued, with scholastic distinction, studies in philosophy and political science at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Additionally, he earned a post-graduate degree in philosophy at Dalhousie University, Halifax followed by doctoral studies in philosophy at the University of Toronto. Jim began his career in journalism at the St. John�s Evening Telegram and subsequently pursued his lifelong passion for politics when he assumed the responsibility of The Chief of Staff to the Honourable John C. Crosbie, a position he maintained across the portfolios of Justice, Transport, Finance, International Trade and Fisheries. During this phase of his professional life he gained national and international respect and recognition for his command of complex files and contribution to pivotal events, in particular the Canada-U.S. Trade Agreement, NAFTA, and the Hibernia Development and Atlantic Accord. Following further studies at Harvard University, Jim made the transition from the public to the private sector, achieving an equally high level of distinction as a partner in Capital Canada Limited, one of Canada�s preeminent private investment banking firms. Jim�s balanced judgment, financial and analytical skills were valued qualities that served his colleagues and clients well. Jim was an indomitable spirit, a man who pursued life with passion, a lover of ideas, music, art and literature. A voracious reader, he was an avid student of the sweeping events of his time and the personalities that shaped them. He was a gifted orator and a captivating raconteur whose irrepressible wit and humour could enliven any event or occasion. He was a consummate gentleman, a man of integrity and an exemplar of style. Above all, Jim was to the many whose lives he touched that which is most precious in life: a true and noble friend. A celebration of Jim�s life will take place on Saturday, November 12th, 2005 commencing at 4 p.m. at the UNIVERSITY CLUB, 380 University Avenue, Toronto #416-597-1336. A Scholarship in Philosophy in the memory of James Good has been established at Memorial University. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the James A. Good Scholarship in Philosophy at Memorial University, Office of Alumni Affairs & Development, St. John's, Newfoundland, A1C 5S7 (1-877-700-4081).