Niagara College is mourning the loss of James V. Glynn, a prominent business and community leader who is being remembered for his contributions to the tourism industry and his charitable legacy.
Glynn, who passed away on December 28, 2025, at the age of 91, was the longtime Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Niagara Falls, New York-based Maid of the Mist Corporation, which had operations in Niagara Falls, Ontario, until 2013.
A Niagara Falls, NY native, Glynn started with the company as a ticket seller at the age of 16, using the money he earned to finance his education at Niagara University. In 1971, he fulfilled his dream of purchasing the legendary company, which, today, carries more than one million tourists each year on boats near the base of the American and Canadian Falls. Glynn’s story is an example of what can be achieved through education and hard work.
The Glynn family and the Maid of the Mist Corporation had a long history of supporting NC and its Hospitality and Tourism students, including contributions to the College’s Next Century and Future Ready campaigns.
The family’s contributions have supported facilities, learning equipment and student awards and helped establish a Binational Education Partnership Fund, a joint initiative between Niagara University and NC enabling students from both United States and Canada to prepare for careers with a focus on binational study and economic development.
“All of us at Niagara College are very grateful for Jim Glynn’s generosity,” said Niagara College President Sean Kennedy. “So many students have had access to enhanced educational opportunities thanks to the support of Jim and the Glynn family.”
NC’s former Niagara Falls Campus was known for many years as the Maid of the Mist Campus in recognition of the support of the Glynn family. The Campus was the home of the College’s renowned culinary and hospitality and tourism programs, as well as employment services, hairstyling, and international programs and services.
Currently, the Glynn name is honoured at the Glynn Family Library and Learning Commons at NC’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake, welcoming students seeking a quiet space to study, create and collaborate as they work towards achieving their dreams.
Niagara College extends its heartfelt condolences and sincere gratitude to the Glynn family.
The obituary for James V. Glynn can be found here. A tribute is also posted on the Maid of the Mist website.
