Remembering Jim Marsden

By Stacey Sullivan

Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 77 past president and community leader Jim Marsden has passed away. The Lakefield Legion made the announcement in a social media post on Thursday morning.

The post reads: “It is with heavy hearts that we have to share that Jim Marsden passed away early this morning. Jim was our president for over 20 years and a member for more than 50. He was devoted to our Branch and committed to our Veterans. His leadership and friendship will be missed by us all.”

Jim Marsden leads a ceremonial walk across the Memorial Crosswalk with local veterans at the unveiling ceremony in June. (Photo: Stacey Sullivan, Discover Lakefield)

Known for his dedication to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 77 in Lakefield, Jim served as Legion President from June 2002 to May 2008 and again from June 2010 to November 2024. He holds the distinction of being the longest serving president in the Lakefield Legion’s history, and continued to be an active member.

Earlier this year, Selwyn Township presented Jim with the Ontario Senior of the Year Award, a provincial honour that recognizes seniors aged 65 and older who have enriched the social, cultural or civic life of their communities through their contributions and volunteer service.

Jim Marsden receives the Ontario Senior of the Year Award during a Selwyn Township council meeting earlier this year. (Photo: Selwyn Township)

Jim was also instrumental in advocating with Peterborough County and Selwyn Township for a Veteran’s Memorial Crosswalk in the Village of Lakefield. Jim led a ceremonial walk across the memorial crosswalk with local veterans at its unveiling ceremony in June.

According to the Legion’s post, as per Jim’s wishes, there will be no funeral or celebration of life. He did request that anyone wishing to make a donation in his memory make it to the Lakefield Legion Building Fund.

For more information on how you can make a donation, contact the Lakefield Legion at 705-652-7988.

Our thoughts are with Jim's family, friends, and colleagues at this time.