James (Jim) Stockton Redpath, founder of underground mining service provider Redpath Group, recently passed away in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, “after a courageous 20-year journey with Parkinson’s Disease.” He was 88.
Redpath grew up on a mine site in Val-d’Or, Québec, the eldest child of James and Margaret Redpath. As a teenager, he worked two formative summers on a small exploration boat in Hudson Bay, an experience that sparked both his enduring work ethic and a deep love of the Canadian North.
He earned his degree in mining engineering from McGill University and, at the mere age of 26, founded J.S. Redpath Limited in 1962. Those who worked with and for Redpath quickly learned that he was a humble yet direct and forceful leader. He always gave credit for the success of the organization to the people with whom he worked, and he claimed to be in awe of the ongoing success the company enjoyed after he retired from the business at the age of 50.
“Our company owes thanks to Jim for a great many things, not the least for the corporate values he established so many years ago and which still guide us; ‘Our Philosophy’ and ‘Guidelines for Success’ confirm our commitment to continuous improvement in safety, productivity and innovation, and instill in our organization the ‘Redpath Spirit’ that has become our hallmark,” remarked Redpath Group officials in a statement.
After leaving the mining world, Redpath pursued his passion for art. He studied art curation at Sotheby’s in New York and went on to lead the Capitol Arts Centre in North Bay for several years, supporting local artists and fostering cultural growth.
In later years, Jim and his wife Bobbi settled in St. John’s, a place he held close to his heart. He is survived by Bobbi, his children Carolyn, Lorraine, John, and Sarah, and five grandchildren.