James "Jim" Frederick Messerschmidt, of R#1 Elmwood passed away at home with his loved ones by his side on Saturday, December 1, 2018, after a lengthy and courageous battle with illness.  He was 53.

Born on April 25, 1965, to the late Clarence and Marie (nee Knapp) Messerschmidt.  He grew up on a farm in Brant Township until a teenager but his heart was always in the country.  Jim enjoyed refurbishing tractors and performing general maintenance at Brindley's Farm Equipment near Markdale.  He was an excellent body man and completed many restorations of antique vehicles along with his father-in-law.  He was an amazing woodworker and built many beautiful pieces of furniture.  He liked to cook and create his own recipes which were always delicious.  He loved the outdoors and riding through the bush on his ATV.  Jim was always joking around and had a good sense of humour.  He was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church Sullivan and enjoyed meeting friends for the men’s club there.  He was also a member of the Historical Automobile Society of Canada.

Survived by loving wife and best friend of 29 years Bonnie Becker-Messerschmidt of R#1 Elmwood.  Proud father of Alex Messerschmidt of Owen Sound and Joy Messerschmidt of Durham.  Grandfather of two.  Fondly remembered by his brother Paul (Susan) Messerschmidt, sisters Judy (Ron) Schreinert both of R#1 Elmwood, Wendy Ahrens of Hanover, Faye (Paul) Lantz of Cambridge and Lorie (Allan) Jarvis of Alberta.  Remembered fondly by his mother-in-law Marion (nee Monk) Becker of R#1 Elmwood and brother-in-law Michael (Melissa) Becker of R#1 Elmwood.  Jim will be missed by his many nieces and nephews and their families, friends, co-workers and family pets.  Predeceased by his parents, father-in-law Orval Becker and brothers-in-law Richard Ahrens and Terry Becker in infancy.

Visitation will be held at St. Peter's Lutheran Church - Sullivan Township (682006 7th Sideroad, Desboro)https://www.google.ca/maps/dir/44.1740752,-81.0524294/St.+Peter's+Lutheran+church+sullivan+township/@44.266191,-81.1571484,11z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m9!4m8!1m1!4e1!1m5!1m1!1s0x8829e839e600e20f:0xcd9fb6d4de7fb07!2m2!1d-81.0092062!2d44.3652662 on Thursday, December 6, 2018, from 12 noon until 1:45 p.m. where a Funeral Service will commence at 2:00 p.m.  Pastor John Graham officiating.  Interment in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Elmwood, Ontario.

Memorial donations to the St. Peter’s Sullivan Social Needs Fund, St. Peter’s Sullivan Wheelchair Accessible Washroom Fund or to Operation Smile Canada are appreciated as expressions of sympathy. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover.