Submitted
The leader of one of the Quinte region’s largest and most successful companies has passed away.
Here is the full statement from the team at Trenton Cold Storage.
It is with profound sadness that the James family announces the passing of Eben James Sr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, business leader, historian, author, and community builder whose vision and generosity helped shape Trenton, Ontario, and the Canadian cold chain industry for generations.
Born and raised in Trenton, Ontario, Eben dedicated his life to his family, his community, and Trenton Cold Storage, the company founded by his father in 1902. Joining the business at just twenty years of age, he devoted almost eight decades to building one of North America’s most respected temperature-controlled logistics companies while remaining firmly rooted in the values of integrity, hard work, and service that defined both his family and his leadership.
Above all else, family was the centre of Eben’s life. He shared an extraordinary partnership with his beloved wife, Gwen, for more than sixty-three years. Together they built a family grounded in kindness, generosity, and a deep commitment to community. Their son, Eben Jr., daughter in-law Kitty, and granddaughters, Abigail and Alyson, were the source of immense pride and joy. Watching the next generation carry forward the family’s values and stewardship of the business brought him tremendous fulfillment. At just 22 years of age, following the passing of his father, Eben took his place at the head of the family table, caring for his mother and siblings with the same unwavering sense of duty, strength, and compassion that would define his life.
Under Eben’s leadership, Trenton Cold Storage evolved from a regional cold storage operation serving local growers into one of Canada’s premier cold chain logistics companies. His entrepreneurial spirit, unwavering curiosity, and willingness to embrace innovation transformed the organization while never losing sight of what mattered most—its people. He believed lasting success was built through relationships, trust, and treating customers and team members like family.
Recognizing the strategic advantages of the Quinte region, Eben was instrumental in attracting national and multinational food companies to Trenton. His vision helped establish the area as one of Canada’s leading food processing and cold chain logistics hubs, creating jobs, encouraging investment, and strengthening the local economy for generations. Long before technology became an industry expectation, he championed advanced warehouse management systems, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement, always striving to leave the company stronger for future generations.
Eben’s leadership was defined not by titles or recognition, but by humility. He believed every team member contributed to the success of the organization and took immense pride in seeing people grow throughout their careers. Many members of the Trenton Cold Storage leadership team began on the warehouse floor, advancing through opportunity, mentorship, and hard work. His commitment to team members extended far beyond the workplace through
initiatives such as the Babe James Memorial Scholarship and family traditions that reflected genuine appreciation, loyalty, and respect.
His passion for giving back was equally remarkable. Eben served on Trenton City Council, chaired the Chamber of Commerce, served as Publisher of The Trentonian, and proudly acted as Honorary Colonel at CFB Trenton. He helped preserve local history, supported St. George’s Church, revitalized Fraser Park, donated use of land that became home to community recreation and the Trent Port Marina, and designed and funded the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan Memorial.
His guiding philosophy was simple:
“I was born here, I’ve lived here all my life, and I want to make it better.” – Eben James Sr. A passionate historian, Eben was also the author of three books chronicling the history of Trenton Cold Storage, his uncle Senator Fraser and his beloved wife Gwen. He delighted in sharing stories of the company’s beginnings, the people who built it, and the rich history of the region he loved so deeply.
His contributions to business and community were recognized through numerous honours and leadership roles. He served as Director and President of the Ontario Food Processors Association, and as a Director of the Canadian Food Processors Association. He was a Lifetime Member of the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Rotary Club, a Paul Harris Fellow, and a dedicated Rotary member for more than 75 years. In recognition of his lifelong service, he received the Gold and Diamond Jubilee Medals from Her Majesty The Queen for significant contributions to his community, the Centennial Award from the Ontario Minister of Agriculture for his contributions to Ontario’s food industry, the Volunteer of the Year Award (2014), the Quinte Business Achievement Award (2015), the Walter Zeller Fellowship Award for Community Service from the Kiwanis Club of Trenton and Kiwanis International.
Those who knew Eben will remember a man whose confidence was matched only by his generosity. He measured success not by what he achieved personally, but by the opportunities he created for others. Whether mentoring young leaders, supporting charitable organizations, strengthening Canada’s food infrastructure, preserving local history, or simply taking the time to know every member of the Trenton Cold Storage family, he left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
His influence reaches far beyond the company he helped build. It lives on through his family, the generations of team members whose lives he touched, the community he loved, and the countless relationships he cultivated throughout a lifetime of service.
Eben was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, mentor, friend, and proud Canadian. His passing leaves an immeasurable void for the James family, Trenton Cold Storage, and the communities he served so faithfully. His legacy of leadership, integrity, compassion, innovation, and community service will continue to inspire future generations.
