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J. M. S. Careless

OC OOnt FRSC
Born
James Maurice Stockford Careless

(1919-02-17)February 17, 1919
Died April 6, 2009(2009-04-06) (aged 90)
Toronto, Ontario
Alma mater University of Trinity College
Harvard University
Occupation historian
Awards Order of Canada
Order of Ontario

James Maurice Stockford Careless (February 17, 1919 – April 6, 2009) was a famous Canadian historian. He was known for making Canadian history easy to understand for everyone.

Early Life and Education

James M. S. Careless was born in Toronto, Ontario. He went to the University of Toronto Schools when he was younger.

He studied at the University of Toronto and earned his first degree in 1940. Later, he went to Harvard University in the United States. There, he earned a Master's degree in 1941 and a PhD in 1950. A PhD is the highest university degree you can get.

During the Second World War, Mr. Careless helped out by working for the Canadian Navy. He also worked for the Department of External Affairs, which handles Canada's relationships with other countries. He even served as a Canadian diplomat on a special ship called the MS Gripsholm. This ship was used to exchange people between different countries during the war.

A Career in History

Mr. Careless started teaching at the University of Toronto in 1945. He taught many different history classes to students. These classes covered Canadian politics, different cultures, cities, and ideas.

He became a full professor in 1959. From 1959 to 1967, he was the head of the History Department. He also helped lead the Ontario Historical Society, which works to preserve history in Ontario. He was also part of the provincial Archaeological and Historic Sites Board.

In 1984, he became a Professor Emeritus. This means he retired from teaching but was still highly respected by the university.

Important Awards and Recognition

Mr. Careless received many important awards for his work. In 1962, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. This is a group of Canada's top scholars and artists. He also won the J.B. Tyrrell Historical Medal that same year.

He was a trustee for the Ontario Science Centre for ten years. He also served as a director for the Ontario Heritage Foundation. This foundation helps protect important historical places and things.

In 1981, he received the Order of Canada. This is one of the highest honours a Canadian can receive. He was given this award because he was so good at explaining Canadian history to everyone. In 1987, he also received the Order of Ontario.

Personal Life

James Careless married Elizabeth Isobel Robinson on December 31, 1940. They had five children together. Later, they also had ten grandchildren.

Awards and Honours

Major Awards

  • Governor General's Award, 1953, 1963
  • University of British Columbia Medal for Biography, 1960
  • J.B. Tyrrell Historical Medal, 1962
  • Royal Society of Canada Fellow, 1962
  • Cruikshank Medal, Ontario Historical Society, 1967
  • City of Toronto Award, 1984, 1985
  • Order of Canada, 1981
  • Order of Ontario, 1987
  • National Heritage Award, 1987

Honorary Degrees

Mr. Careless also received special honorary degrees from many universities:

  • Laurentian University, 1979
  • Memorial University, 1981
  • University of Victoria, 1982
  • Royal Roads University, 1983
  • McMaster University, 1983
  • University of New Brunswick, 1984
  • University of Calgary, 1986
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