Kimm, John Jack

It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of John (Jack) Kimm

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Jack joined the Royal Canadian Navy in February 1989.  Coming from the small town of Chilliwack, British Columbia, Jack wanted to see the world and serve his country, and the navy was his choice of service. He did his basic training at CFB Cornwallis, then was posted to Esquimalt, B.C.

Over the years, Jack served on many ships, including:

• October 1989 HMCS MacKenzie
• March 1993 HMCS Vancouver
(Commissioning Crew)
• December 1996 HMCS Regina 
• October 2005 HMCS Vancouver
• November 2007 HMCS Winnipeg 
• April 2009 HMCS Ottawa 
• October 2010 HMCS Calgary

He participated in many deployments and achieved recognition and awards for his service, including:

• Special Service Medal – Peacekeeping 
• Canadian Forces Decoration 
• Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal 
• South-West Asia Service Medal – Afghanistan

Jack also achieved national qualifications in his Marine Engineer trade and was also a participant in many Canadian patrol frigate exercises.  He was proud to serve his country and excelled in his trade.

While his service took him away from his family often, he was the proud father to his oldest son, Douglas (Doug) and youngest son, David.  His wife, Joanne, kept up the family home in his absence.  Jack was quiet in nature but adventurous. Growing up, he excelled in many sports, including football, skiing and soccer.  Family was important to him, which was reflected in the many letters home.

Jack was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2022 from exposure to toxins while serving his country.  His last days were spent in Halifax Hospice, with his wife, son, and grandson by his side.

Jack is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Joanne, sons Douglas (Kyla) and David, and four grandchildren (Elodie, Violet, Charlie and Ryker). Jack is also survived by his sister Cheryl (Anu) Khanna, brother Scott Kimm, and nieces Jasmine and Michelle. He is predeceased by his father, Doug, and mother, Earlene.

A celebration of life will be held at St. Peter and St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 1379 Esquimalt Road, on March 7, at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Halifax Hospice.

The grief we feel, while enormous, only shows how much we love you. No matter where you are, your spirit will be beside me.