PENTON, Marvin

PENTON April 27, 1932 – November 4, 2024 PENTON; Dr. Marvin James ‘Jim’ – Peacefully, in the Palliative Care Unit of the Brantford General Hospital, with his wife, Beth and granddaughter, Rea by his side, passed from this life on November 4, 2024. Jim was in his 93rd year. He was preceded in death by his parents, Levis Bosworth Penton and Ida Emily Penton, his brother, Edwin, his late wife, Marilyn and infant son, Philip André. He is survived by his wife, Beth, his children, David, John (Shona) and Anne (Bob) and foster daughter Linda (Willie). He is also survived by eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Born in Saskatchewan, Jim lived an extraordinary life as a professor of history and religious studies. Jim was the only surviving member of the original Department of History at the University of Lethbridge. Fluent in Spanish, he first taught in Puerto Rico, followed by universities in the states of Upper Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa, as well as in Calgary. Jim was an amazing man and an example of Christian living, always an advocate for the downtrodden and abused. He and his first wife, Marilyn, took a number of people into their home when there was someone in crisis who needed their nurturing, be it family or stranger.
Friends will be welcomed at the Dwayne D. Budgell Funeral Home, 1105 Rest Acres Road, Paris, Ontario on Friday, November 15 from 7 – 9 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will be held at St. James Anglican Church, 8 Burwell St, Paris, Ontario on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 11 a.m. Jim’s service will be live streamed starting at 10:50 am. Cremation has already taken place as per Jim’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, donations to St James Anglican Church, Paris would be appreciated by the family.
Online condolences and donations may be made at www.budgellfuneralhome.ca BUDGELL’s (519)442-2200 Paris, ON.