BX June 27, 1936
James F. Mellor, Well Known Veteran, Dead – Past President of Legion Was Greatly Beloved by Soldiers – Died Last Evening – Served Many years as Bugle Major of Dufferin Rifles
James F. Mellor is dead. “Jimmie” Mellor, as he was known to a host of friends, was one of this City’s most prominent Great War veterans and dearly beloved by all who knew him. He died suddenly at his home, 205 Rawdon Street, last evening.
The late Mr. Mellor was born at New Mills, Yorkshire, England, and was in his 59th year. He came to Canada at the age of nine years and has been a resident of Brantford for 42 years, and during the whole of that time he had taken a keen interest in military affairs, For more than a quarter of a century he was Bugle Major of the Dufferin Rifles’ Bugle Band, and upon his retirement was made a life member of the Sergeants’ Mess.
He went overseas with the 125th Battalion, as a sergeant bugler and was made quartermaster sergeant of “C” Company at Witley Camp, from whence he went to the Canadian Record Office in London, England.
On returning to Brantford he became active in the G.W.V.A., and when the Canadian Legion was formed he transferred his activities to that organization and was an enthusiastic worker in all that pertained to the welfare of the ex-service men. He was particularly active in the annual Poppy Fund campaigns.
His leadership, ability and zeal for the cause of all veterans won him the love, honor and respect of the veterans and he was elected President of the Brantford Branch, Canadian Legion, in 1931, serving with distinction for two years. Few veterans’ soldiers were so widely known here.
Mr. Mellor was a faithful and efficient servant of the Imperial Bank and in his capacity of messenger was very popular with clients of the institution. He retired a few years ago after 27 years of service.
In religion he was an Anglican and a faithful and active member of Grace Church, taking a particular interest in the young people and contributing much to A.Y.P.A. Activities.
Of a happy, genial, kindly disposition, James Mellor’s demise, although not entirely unexpected, will be greatly regretted.
He is survived besides his widow by one daughter, Eleanor E., and one son, Harold F. Mellor, both at home; two brothers, G. Harold Mellor, St. Marys, Ont. And R. Fred Mellor of this city.
The funeral will be held Monday afternoon, a private service at the Beckett Funeral Home being followed by a public service at Grace Church. Interment will be in Mount Hope Cemetery.
BX June 30, 1936
James F. Mellor
The funeral of James F. Mellor was conducted Monday afternoon in the presence of a very large gathering of relatives, friends, and militia and Canadian Legion associates. Members of the Canadian Legion marched in the funeral procession, under the command of Colonel M. A. Colquhoun and S.M. Harry Gibbons and the officers of the Dufferin Rifles marched under the command of Captain E.R. Greenwood. A large representation was present from the Kith and Kin. There were many beautiful floral tributes, indicating the high esteem in which the deceased was held throughout the City. After a brief service at the Beckett Funeral Home, a public service was conducted in Grace Anglican Church, and interment was in Mount Hope Cemetery. Ven. Archdeacon A.L.G. Clarke conducted the series. The pallbearers were B.G. Mears, W. Blazey and J. Frost, representing the 125th Battalion Association, and three representatives of the Dufferin Rifles C.S.M. George Crouch, Sergeant Phil King, and C.S.M. A.J. Davis. The buglers at the graveside were S. Porter, Canadian Legion, F. Fossie, Machine Gunners and J. Abramson, Dufferin Rifles.
