Obituary of James Peter Brandt

James Brandt, beloved son, husband, father, brother, and friend, 61, of Ottawa, Ontario, passed away on December 6, 2025.

He was born in Toronto, Ontario in 1964 to Joe and Josie Brandt. James was the baby of the family with two older brothers – Rolf and Wolfgang – born in Aachen, Germany more than ten years earlier.

James was a hockey goalie, and an outdoor enthusiast from an early age. He earned a Masters degree in Forestry from the University of Toronto before taking a position with the Ministry of Natural Resources Canada and moving out West to Edmonton to start his career. James chose his new apartment wisely and there met the love of his life, Carey. They were married in Edmonton in 1998. James and Carey started a family first with their son Willem and followed three years later with their daughter Alexandra.

James went on to earn his PhD in Foresty from the University of Alberta. His career and family brought him back to Ontario in 2008 where the Brandt’s settled in Ottawa.

James retired in 2022, but continued to indulge his love of science and nature through contract work and spending time at the family “farm” in the Township of South Algonquin. He was an avid woodworker, a lifelong learner, and a diehard fan and coach for his children’s hockey careers.

James is survived by his wife of 27 years Carey; their children Willem and Alexandra; and his brothers Wolfgang and Rolf.

A celebration of life for James will be held at Thee Farm Event & Wellness Centre – 4100 County Road 43, Kemptville, Ontario from 1 to 4 pm on December 20, 2025. Join this digital board to share stories and get more info about the celebration.  

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to either The Queen's University Biological Station (QUBS) Endowment Fund in dedication to James Brandt or to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation; select “Cancer Research” for gift destination.