James (Jim) Austin MacDonald

Jim passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 8th at St. Peter’s Hospital after a lengthy battle with cancer at the age of 63, with Linda and Shannon by his side.

Jim was predeceased by his father James (Jimmy) MacDonald, also a musician, and his mother, Louise MacDonald.

He will be sadly missed by, as Jim would say, Linda "Sweetheart" Duncan, stepdaughter Shannon (Allison), stepson Murray (Carol) in Quebec, granddaughter Sadie, brother Peter (Sabine) and his nephew Noah in Brazil.

For over 30 years starting in the early 80s, Jim enjoyed a unique and productive musical relationship with Pierre Ouellet, where they focused on the commissioned creation of electronic soundtracks for radio, educational television and film.

Jim was a musical prodigy who gained success as a keyboard player with the Juno-nominated band Rational Youth and was a member of Zero One and New Regime, and later The Robbie Rae Band. Jim’s life was music. He also loved to listen to classical music, which he had studied in his youth.

Jim said he missed going to work at Steve’s Music Store on Queen St. West in Toronto, and all his friends, colleagues, and customers. He also missed seeing and working with his dear friend and working partner Pierre.

Jim loved his sports (Blue Jays, Maple Leafs, and Raptors), and Star Trek.

You can see some of Jim’s info and work online at lifeworldsound.com under collaborations, etc.

We would like to give a special thank you to Jim's family physician, Dr. Benjamin Reitzel. A big thank you to: The Cancer Assistance Program (CAP), especially Sandy and all of the drivers that drove Jim to and from his medical appointments, The LIHN and VON nurses in Hamilton Ontario, especially Michaelet, to whom Jim became very attached, and the doctors & staff at the Juravinski Cancer Centre and Hospital and St. Peters Hospital.

In lieu of flowers you may wish to make a charitable donation in Jim's name to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

There will be no memorial service at this time due to Covid-19.  We will keep you informed.