It is always with great sadness when we lose members of our District 7070 Rotary family. Everyone in District 7070 wants to express their deepest sympathies to our extended Rotary family. Please send your notices to Newsletter Editor Dave Andrews at dave.f.andrews99@gmail.com .....
EBAN JAMES, SR - ROTARY CLUB OF TRENTON
Eben’s passing on August 3 has given us pause to recognize the unwavering community-mindedness that our members maintain. As a proud Rotarian for three quarters of a century, Eben’s legacy exemplifies Service Above Self to the very maximum of its definition. The half dozen times that Paul Harris honours have been bestowed upon him are certainly worthy of recognition, but even more important is the lifelong commitment to supporting our community through the work of the Rotary Club of Trenton. These qualities are a model for all Rotarians and, indeed, all citizens of Quinte West.
On August 3, 2026, in his 100th year, and on what would have been his 69th wedding anniversary to his beloved Gwen, Eben James II passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply, his son, Eben III, his daughter-in-law Katherine "Kitty", and his cherished granddaughters, Abigail "Abbey" and Alyson "Ally". For nearly a century, Eben lived a life defined not by what he achieved, but by the people he loved, the opportunities he created for others, and the quiet example he set every day. Born at his home, surrounded by family in Trenton, Ontario, on December 27, 1926, Eben was the first son of Eben James and Jeanie Fraser, and the brother of Joan, Margot, and Mawnan Fraser “Babe”. Growing up during the Great Depression shaped the values that guided his life; hard work, humility, gratitude, and caring for others.
At just 22 years of age, following the passing of his father, Eben stepped into a role few young men could imagine. He became the head of his family, caring for his mother and siblings while taking his father's place in the small family business. He never spoke of it as a sacrifice. He simply did what needed to be done with quiet strength, unwavering responsibility, and deep love and commitment to his family.
Family was everything to Eben. His loving partnership with Gwen began in 1951, while aboard his sailboat, Cassawappy I, at Presqu’ile Point, where they met over ice cream. That meeting became a lifelong love story. They married on August 3, 1957, and together shared more than 63 wonderful years, building a home filled with love, laughter, generosity, and traditions that continue today. Nothing brought him greater joy than gathering everyone around the family table, carving the roast, filling the room with laughter and sharing stories about life. His stories were more than cherished memories; they were lessons in life. Through each one, Eben left his family a lasting gift, the van Cold Storage at just 20 years of age, Eben devoted nearly eight decades to the family business. Under his leadership, it grew from a small regional cold storage operation into one of Canada's premier cold chain logistics companies. Eben’s leadership was defined not by titles or recognition, but by humility. Eben knew the names of the people who made up the Trenton Cold Storage family. He celebrated their milestones, encouraged them to grow, and believed everyone deserved an opportunity to succeed.
Eben also believed deeply in his community. Through his leadership, Trenton Cold Storage attracted major national and international food companies to the Quinte region, creating opportunities that strengthened the local economy for generations. His commitment to community extended well beyond business. He served on Trenton City Council, chaired the Chamber of Commerce, served as Publisher of The Trentonian, and proudly held the role of Honorary Colonel at CFB Trenton. He helped preserve local history, supported St. George’s Church, revitalized Fraser Park, donated the use of land that became home to community recreation and the Trent Port Marina, and designed and funded the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan Memorial. His lifetime of service earned numerous honours, including leadership roles with the Ontario and Canadian Food Processors Associations, more than 75 years of dedicated Rotary service, numerous Paul Harris Fellowships, the Queen's Gold and Diamond Jubilee Medals for significant contributions to his community, the Ontario Centennial Award for contributions to the food industry, the Volunteer of the Year Award, the Quinte Business Achievement Award, and the Walter Zeller Fellowship Award for community service.
His guiding philosophy was simple: "I was born here, I've lived here all my life, and I want to make it better." Eben leaves behind his beloved son, Eben Jr., daughter-in-law Kitty, granddaughters Abbey and Ally, many nieces and nephews, extended family, countless friends, and generations of Trenton Cold Storage team members and families whose lives were enriched by his kindness, mentorship, and leadership. While Eben’s passing leaves an immeasurable void, his legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the company he helped build, the community he devoted his life to, and the values he quietly demonstrated every day. Eben’s life reminds us that true success is measured not by what we achieve, but by the love we share, the people we lift up, and the lives we leave better. That was Eben James Sr.'s greatest achievement.
A private family service will be held in the near future, and the details for the Celebration of Life will be announced shortly thereafter. For those who would like to contribute in Eben’s memory, in lieu of flowers, you are welcome to donate to St. George's Anglican Church in Trenton, Ontario. Arrangements are under the care of Rushnell Funeral Home - 60 Division Street, Trenton (613-392-2111). To leave a condolence or to share memories of Eben, please visit rushnellfuneralhomes.com.