James Henry O'Rourke - Wireless Telegrapher
James Henry O'Rourke was born in Toronto, Ont., May 10, 1916. He was one of three sons of Martha and Michael O'Rourke. Jim lived in the west end of Toronto and attended Prince Edward Public School and Central High School of Commerce. He took up athletics, becoming proficient in long distance walking, winning many prizes around Ontario and U.S.A. Through athletics he met his wife, Anne Edwards, who belonged to a ladies' track and field club. They were married on Jim's birthday, May 10, 1939. Jim started working for O'Keefe Breweries, Toronto, in 1936. Jim and his two brothers, Jack and Fred, joined the Navy and it was on the "Nene" that Jim spent his war years. Jim and Anne were lawn bowlers and competed in tournaments as a doubles team. When Anne experienced difficulties with her health and had to quit, Jim continued bowling right up to the summer before he died. Jim and Anne's daughter, Karen is a school teacher married to Douglas Card. They have four children, Shayne, Erin Kate, Brent and Rourke (Rory) James. Jim was a founding member of "The Nativity of Our Lord" Catholic Church, one of the first ushers, extraordinary ministers and lectors. The pastors knew they could call on Jim for assistance at all times. It was fitting that he was buried from the church he helped build. Jim passed away on February 28, 1992. He left behind a memory of faith, honesty and regard for all his fellow men.