It is with great sadness that the family of James Richard “Jim” Dalzell announces his passing peacefully at Montfort Hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife of 54 years, Mary Kathleen Dalzell (nee McManus), whose love was the great joy of his life.
Jim will be lovingly remembered by his children Karen of New York City and Michael of Vancouver; his grandchildren Oona and Zoë Dalzell-Sexton and Stella, Daela and Ainslee Dalzell, and his brother Gordon Dalzell (Mary Ellen) of Fredericton, New Brunswick, and their family. He was predeceased by his parents, Dal and Alice Dalzell, and by his brother Ronald Dalzell.
Born and raised in New Brunswick, Jim dedicated much of his professional life to the Canadian federal public service. Over a career spanning several decades, he held a number of senior executive positions, culminating in his role as Director General of Human Resources with the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. He was respected for his steady leadership, fairness, and thoughtful approach to public service.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jim will be remembered most for his warmth, loyalty, and deep devotion to family and friends. He especially loved music, dancing, lively conversation, and time spent with those he cared about. Above all else, he cherished his life with Mary — they were true companions in every sense, sharing friendships, music, family, and a partnership that shaped the lives of everyone around them.
Jim was a longtime member of the Annunciation of the Lord Parish in Beacon Hill North, where he and Mary were active members of the community for many years.
Visitation will be held at Beechwood National Memorial Centre on Thursday, May 28th, 2026 from 12 noon until 2. A Funeral Mass will be held at Annunciation of the Lord on Friday, May 29th, 2026 at 1 pm, followed by burial at Beechwood Cemetery at 3 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to Annunciation of The Lord or to organizations supporting music and community arts programs.
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