Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison reflected on the legacy of Eben James Sr. after the Quinte West businessman and community leader passed away.
James Sr. spent nearly eighty years guiding Trenton Cold Storage, helping develop the family enterprise into a prominent cold chain logistics firm.
During his lifetime, James also contributed to the region through roles on city council, Quinte West Chamber of Commerce, and as Honorary Colonel at CFB Trenton.
“I’ve been good friends with Eben and his family since 1972, and he and Trenton Cold Storage are a pillar in our city, and they support so many different charities, different organizations, and different people, and they’ve always done it quietly,” Mayor Harrison tells Quinte News.
Harrison says that James Sr. wanted to help people have a more enjoyable life.
“That’s exactly what he’s been to this city, and all his life,” Harrison explained.
“He and his wife Gwen were just involved in so many different parts of our, of the Bay Area region, making us just that much stronger, that much better, more recognized in the whole of our country.”
Harrison also talked about James Sr’s knowledge of the history of the area.
“He had a a memory of history and of what happened in our area. He could give you details that you never even knew existed, and a big supporter of our marina, a big supporter of our waterfront.”
The mayor gave his condolences to the family, saying that it was a sad day.
“He had a good life and had a great connection and great support of so many different things (in the community).”
