Obituary of James Watt Davie

JAMES WATT DAVIE

James Watt Davie died in his 75^th year at his beloved home in Mulmur Township on Tuesday, August 28, 2018, after a lengthy struggle with respiratory disease.

He was predeceased by his parents, Florence Elizabeth Davie and James Harold Davie and his sister, Susan Elizabeth Sublett.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary (Mahon), his son James Mahon Davie (Mark) and his two treasured grandsons, James Jeremy and John Daniel, as well as his nephews, Daniel James Sublett (Melissa) and John Edward Sublett (Joel).

Jim was born and lived his life in Toronto.  He attended Lawrence Park Collegiate and received his Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Toronto and his MBA from Queen’s University.

He joined Toronto-Dominion Bank in 1967 and left in 1973 to join the Corporate Finance Division of Dominion Securities.  With his outgoing personality, quick wit and “nose for a deal”, Jim rose quickly to become a senior underwriter and, over time, one of Canada’s leading investment bankers.  He was appointed a Vice President of the firm in 1978 and a Director in 1980.

With his uncanny “feel for the markets” Jim was appointed Head of New Issue Syndication and Equity Capital Markets in 1989, a position he held until his retirement in 2002.  Over the years Jim’s personality was such that many clients, competitors and partners in the firm became lifelong friends.  Jim played an important role in the overall growth and development of the firm and contributed his advice and counsel on its many mergers, acquisitions, including the sale of a controlling interest in the firm to the Royal Bank in 1988.

Over the course of his career Jim counseled, coached, and mentored many young people.  His relentless focus on integrity, the highest ethical standards, professionalism, loyalty, and always placing the interest of clients first, has left a lasting impression on the culture of the firm.

Subsequent to his career at RBC Dominion Securities, he advised and served on the boards of Profico Energy, Manalta Coal, Addax Petroleum and Brompton Group amongst others.  His counsel was always valued.

Jim loved the game of golf.  He was a member of the International Seniors Amateur Golf Society and served on its executive board for many years. Jim and Mary travelled extensively, often with golf as a focus.

Jim belonged to Lambton Golf and Country Club, Mad River Golf Club and the Mid Ocean Club in Bermuda.  Jim and Mary have a home in Naples, Florida at the Wyndemere Golf and Country Club where they have enjoyed the company of great friends for more than 25 years.

Jim was a generous member of our community and contributed quietly to many of our city’s vital organizations including Sunnybrook Hospital and Toronto General Hospital. He was a devoted supporter and board member of Bloorview MacMillan for many years.

The family will receive friends at the Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 5^th.  A funeral service will be held at Grace Church on the Hill, 300 Lonsdale Road at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 6^th; reception to follow at The Granite Club, 2350 Bayview Avenue.

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to Toronto General and Western Hospital Foundation, in support of Dr. Shaf Keshavjee’s research in lung disease, at www.tgwhf.ca/tribute or (416) 603-5300.  Condolences, photographs and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.