Jim Redpath, founder of North Bay mining contractor, has died

Jim Redpath, founder of North Bay’s Redpath Mining has died at the age of 88. He started the company in 1962 with four employees, growing it to 6,400 workers.

James (Jim) Stockton Redpath, 88, died Aug. 2 in St. John’s, Nfld., after a “courageous 20-year journey with Parkinson’s disease,” his obituary said.

Redpath is best known for founding J.S. Redpath Ltd., a mining contracting company specializing in shaft sinking based in North Bay, when he was just 26 years old. It’s now known as Redpath Mining Contractors and Engineers.

Jim Redpath grew up at a mine site in Val-d’Or, Que, 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,” his obit said.

Redpath earned his degree in mining engineering from McGill University before founding his famous mining contracting company.

“Under his leadership, the company … laid a foundation of technical excellence and integrity, eventually becoming a global leader in mining services,” his obit said.

“He stepped away from the company at age 50, proud of its trajectory and legacy.”

The company started with only four employees in October 1962. When it celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2022, there were more than 6,400 staff around the world, including 200 in North Bay.

Five years after he founded J.S. Redpath Ltd., the company secured five major projects. One of the projects, Creighton Mine, No. 9 Shaft, located in Ontario, was the deepest North American shaft at that time.

After leaving the mining world, Redpath 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,” his obituary said.

“There, they became deeply involved in the city’s vibrant arts community.”

Honorary doctorates

In recognition of his contributions to industry and the arts, he received honorary doctorates from both McGill University and Nipissing University and served as the first Chancellor of Nipissing in 1994.

He was awarded Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals and the Order of Ontario.

He is survived by his wife and partner of over 50 years, Bobbi, “with whom he shared a rich and joyful life,” his obit said.

“He was a loving and supportive father to Carolyn, Lorraine, John and Sarah, and a proud grandfather to five grandchildren. He was predeceased by his siblings, Anne and John. Jim’s life was one of vision, reinvention, and quiet philanthropy. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.”

A Celebration of Life will be held on Aug. 20 at 4 p.m. at The Rooms in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkinson Canada or a local arts organization in Jim’s memory.