James Francis

He started life with all the hopes and dreams of a typical young boy who loved to skate, swim, and sing, and who wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps. James entered grade primary like every other child, running around the school yard, playing with his friends. However, God’s plan led James down a different path. By Grade 6, medical challenges began to limit his mobility. Despite his setbacks, James never lost his zest for life. He shared an unbreakable bond with his family. He adored his mother Therese, and his eyes lit up everytime she entered his room. He and his father Jimmy were each other’s best friend. His relationship with his sisters, Jessica and Julie, was rooted in love, laughter and the precious joy that James radiated.

James was the shining light of his family, and this light grew brighter everyday of his life.

James’ inspirational story was recognized at his grade 9 graduation ceremony from Cornwallis Jr. High. For his perseverance, courage, humility, patience and positive attitude towards life, he was honored with the Principal’s Award. James was a symbol of hope and proof that life truly had no boundaries.

Throughout his life, James sought comfort in Jesus and helped spread the Good News in his own special way. He had a great love for music; his voice often heard singing hymns at St. Thomas Aquinas Church. He also had a great love for musicals and took joy in watching his favourites, Jesus Christ Superstar and Annie. James also loved the Beatles, especially the song Yesterday.

As his mobility declined, his inspiring strength grew and continued to shine. Despite all the hardships, he always greeted family and friends with his beautiful smile and laughter. He was happy, loved, and enjoyed every moment life had to offer. To his parents he was the world, and the world was his playground. He visited places such as Disney World, Hollywood, Las Vegas, Arizona, France and Lebanon.

James was predeceased by his maternal grandfather Jamil and his paternal grandmother Theresa. He is survived by his loving parents James and Therese, his sisters Jessica and Julie, his grandfather Farid all of Halifax and his grandmother Yasmine in Lebanon. James will be sadly missed by his aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and the community at large. The Diman Association Canada Thanksgiving Weekend will never be the same without James’ sing-along.

James' family would like to thank staff at IWK, QE2 ICU 5.2, 8.1 QE2, staff at Citadel High School, and at Revera and Bayshore. A special thank you to all our friends and family for your support, especially Dr. Frank Lo and his wife Wendy. We would also like to say a special thank you to the Sacred Heart School for its unconditional love and support.

Funeral mass will be on Monday August 12 at 10am at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Father Mark Cherry officiating, and Father Pierre Azzi concelebrating. Interment will follow at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville.

In lieu of flowers donation may be made to the Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia; The Dravet Foundation at www.dravetfoundation.org; or St. Thomas Aquinas Canadian Martyrs Roman Catholic Church.

“When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom, let it be.”