James "Junior" William Tidd

On July 29, 2024 James “Junior” William Tidd of Little River, NS passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family. He was 78 years old, having been born to his parents, James Tidd Sr. and Minnie (Burns) Tidd on September 6, 1945. Junior is survived by Claudia, his wife of 55 years, his 5 children, Jacqueline (Lloyd), Juanita, Joy (Brian), Jana (Royce) and James (Krista); grandchildren, Nickolas, Karly, TJ, Autumn, Emma, Brianna, Meghan and Gavin and seven great grandchildren as well as his brother Allan (Wanda) Tidd. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by sisters, Mary Spicer, Violet Frost, Iva Guier and brothers Leonard Tidd, Chester Tidd and infant brother Herbert.

Junior worked in some capacity in the fishery for most of his life starting as a teenager for McClafferty & Frost Fisheries and later as foreman for many years with CA Denton Fisheries Ltd. In later years he worked at Scotia Fisheries Ltd. then as a lobster fisherman aboard the “Tina Marie” with his brother-in-law Gerry. Before retiring in 2011 he worked alongside his wife at Canada Post for 6 years. He and Claudia then began the labour of love clearing the land for the Ottoview Look Off where many people came to take in the beautiful views of Little River. Later they built and opened the Ottoview Wilderness Cabins and rented them out to guests. For a while he helped out at the Little River Trading Company store and enjoyed his time there with Royce Sr. and the many customers who stopped in for a chat.

Despite working in the fishery most of his life, Junior was a farmer at heart. He raised cattle, pigs, chickens and turkeys and most nights after working all day he would spend hours feeding the animals, delivering calves, mending fences and doing all the other chores that came with raising animals. His children have many fond memories from those days. He always looked forward to planting time each year and enjoyed watching his garden grow each summer, especially his potato garden. He loved his red cub tractor that he had lovingly restored and no one knew how to start it but him! However, before he passed he made sure to pass on his knowledge of everything about his tractor to his son James, grandson Gavin and son in law, Royce so gardens would continue to be planted each year. Junior was also an avid deer hunter and enjoyed rabbit hunting and trapping in his younger years. But hunting wasn't just about the sport for Junior, he loved the time spent with his friends in the woods and with his son James sitting in the cabin chatting and taking turns napping while waiting for the deer to make their appearance.

He made friends quickly and had many lifelong friendships. There were so many names we could’ve included as special friends, from people he mackerel fished with, hunted with, had coffee or went to church with or were special neighbors he thought of as family. But the list was too long and he wouldn’t have wanted us to forget anyone. But you know who you are and please know that he cherished you all dearly.

Junior always had words of encouragement, stories to tell and a teasing nature enjoyed by all he met. He loved playing guitar and singing with his wife, children and grandchildren his whole life. He was a loving and patient father and grandfather who was always interested in anything his children or grandchildren were doing. Our birthdays never ended without a hug and a kiss on the cheek from Dad and most New Years Eves never ended without a Happy New Year OX message from him.

He became a Christian in 2003 and was baptised that year. From then on, he was an active member of the Little River Baptist Church acting as a Trustee for many years and doing maintenance as well as being Chairman of the Cemetery Committee. Juniors’ faith was simple but true and he lived out his faith through the love and kindness he showed to all he met. A special memory mom holds dear is when they would take communion together at church. While waiting for the pastor to read the scripture, Junior would dip his finger in the small cup of juice he held and draw a cross on the back of her hand. In his final days when he would sleep and she would hold his hand she felt him draw the cross on the back of her hand again.

The times he treasured most was time spent with his family and friends. The fuller his house was, the happier he was. And we can't forget about his love for his animals and his childrens animals. Junior had a special bond with all of them but especially Milo, Ruby, Molly and Bella.

If Junior were to read this he would tell us that it was too much, that he didn’t deserve all this praise. But he did. His family loved him so dearly and he will be so deeply missed and cherished in our hearts forever. He was easy to love.

He was truly thankful for all that he had and during his illness he endured and persevered through every challenge. The VON nurses and palliative care were very kind to him, and he came to look forward to their visits. Special thanks to Amanda Thibault, Dr. Phillip Cooper and NP Daphne Demaine for their care and the kindness shown to him. A special thank you to his sister in law Tina who was always willing to step in when we needed a helping hand and to everyone who visited, called, sent messages, brought food or helped out over the past few months, your thoughtfulness will never be forgotten. Thank you to his beloved son in laws, Brian, Lloyd and Royce who went above and beyond during dads’ final months.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jayne’s Funeral Home, Digby. Funeral service will be at the Little River Baptist Church on Saturday August the 3rd at 2 pm, Pastor Tim Long will officiate with family only burial at Hillcrest Cemetery.

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8