Redpath Mining recently shared news of the passing of its founder, James “Jim” Stockton Redpath, who passed away on August 2, 2025, at age 88, in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
A visionary mining engineer, humble leader, and champion of both industry and the arts, Jim founded J.S. Redpath Limited, a mining contracting company specializing in shaft sinking, in 1962 at the age of 26, with the desire to be his own boss and build a company grounded in integrity, technical excellence, and respect for its people. Under his leadership, Redpath became a global leader in mining contracting, known for its ability to tackle challenging projects in extreme climates and for fostering a strong culture of safety, innovation, and loyalty.
Those who worked with Jim remember him as a leader who always gave credit to his team, led by example, and upheld the highest standards in business and personal conduct. His “Guidelines for Success” and company philosophy — emphasizing honesty, fairness, responsibility, and client service — continue to guide Redpath’s global operations today.
After stepping away from the company in 1987, Jim pursued his passion for the arts, studying art curation at Sotheby’s in New York and later leading the Capitol Arts Centre in North Bay. His love for creativity and culture was matched only by his appreciation for the Canadian outdoors.
Jim’s contributions to the mining industry earned him numerous honours, including the Order of Ontario, Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals, and honorary doctorates from both McGill University and Nipissing University, where he also served as the first Chancellor.
The Board of Directors and staff of MineConnect extend our deepest condolences to Jim’s wife, Bobbi, his family, friends, and the entire Redpath team. Jim was a pillar of our mining supply and service community, and his legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come.
