James Clement Bartlett

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits James Clement Bartlett who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, James was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with James knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

       His parents were Michael and Margaret (Newell) Bartlett. James was raised in Marysvale, Newfoundland. Even as a youngster, James learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

      As a young boy, James was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. James was raised with 10 Siblings. He had brothers Richard 'Dick', Michael 'Mike', John, Thomas 'Tom', Patrick 'Pad', Joseph who died in infancy and sisters, Eileen, Johanna, Cecelia and Margaret who died in infancy. James had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For James, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

      James's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, James enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. He was born in Marysvale, Newfoundland, to Michael and Margaret (Newell) Bartlett.

      In school, James worked hard as one could possibly imagine. He sought to do his best in his classes. He would eagerly do what he felt was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, James was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. James’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in school was Math.

      James was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When James was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to James came to expect his high standards of performance. Later in life, he became friends with John and Pearl Burns, Francis Smith, George and Honor Van, Colie White, Leonard Boudreau, Allan Hanratty.

      An objective and conscientious individual, James reveled in the security of his family. On February 13, 1945 James exchanged wedding vows with Mary Catherine 'Kay' Lush (Died August 29, 2009) at the St. Theresa Church of Sydney, Nova Scotia. One of James’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

      James was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. James would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. James was blessed with 6 children, Michael, John Patrick, Sandra, James Jr., Geraldine, Bruce. They were also blessed with 14 grandchildren, Darren, Michael, Michelle, Logan, Keith, Karen, Crystal, Melissa, Debbie, Kenny Jr., Keith, Danielle, Jamie (Died 2007) and Mandy (died 1969), 16 great grandchildren Angela, Lindsay, Jordan, Tristan, Shelly, Morgan, Blair, Ashley, Sabrina, Sarah, Anthony, Leeah, Kassy, AJ, Heidi, Lisa.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, James was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, James was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, James upheld his standards. His primary occupation was Maintenance. He was employed for Sydney City Hospital. James was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      James approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were building and repairing things. James was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Playing by the rules was a natural thing for James to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. Recreational sports included bowling. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were hockey.

      A civic-minded person, James was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. James was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the Ashby Volunteer Fire Department. Politically, James was NDP. During these years, James applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

      Faith was important to James. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member of St. Theresa's Parish. During that time, he was a member of St. Theresa's Mens Club.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, James used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. James had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Ontario, Halifax, Florida.

      James was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of James’s favorites was a cat Missy, given to him by his great grandchildren Kassy and AJ. They were best friends for 6 years. His family was rounded out by his many dogs and cats.

      When James’s retirement finally arrived in November 26, 1989 on his 65th birthday, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life involved relocating to Sydney. In retirement, he found new pleasure in travelling to Florida, Ontario, the Valley, Halifax, Newfoundland and New Brunswick. In many ways, James loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

      James passed away on May 18, 2010 at An Cala Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, Nova Scotia. He is survived by two daughters Sandra (Jimmie) Campbell, Geralding (Ken) Steffens, four sons, Michael (Sheila), John Patrick (Betty), Jimmy (Evelyn), Bruce (Kim), 2 brothers Richard (Agg), Michael (Madeline) and a sister Eileen Shea. Services were held at St. Theresa's Church, a funeral mass at 10 am Friday, May 21, 2010 with Rev. Jim Oliver officiating. James was laid to rest in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks, Nova Scotia.

      All who knew him would agree that James was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. James Clement Bartlett did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

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Jim Bartlett

86 – Sydney

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of James Clement ‘Jim’ Bartlett at Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney on Tuesday, May 18, 2010, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Marysvale , Newfoundland, he was the son of the late Michael and Margaret (Newell) Bartlett.

Jim was a former long time resident of Ashby, and a devoted member of St. Theresa’s parish.

Jim was employed at the Sydney City Hospital in the maintenance department until he retired in 1989.

He was predeceased by his wife of 64 years Kay (Lush) Bartlett in August 2009. He is survived by two daughters, Sandra (Jimmie) Campbell, Sydney; Geraldine (Ken) Steffens, Lawrencetown, N.S.; four sons, Michael (Sheila), John Patrick (Betty), James Jr. (Evelyn) and Bruce (Kim), all of Sydney; grandchildren, Darren, Michael, Michelle, Logan, Keith, Karen, Crystal, Melissa, Debbie, Kenny Jr., Keith and Danielle; great-grandchildren, Angela, Lindsay, Jordan, Tristan, Shelby, Morgan, Blair, Ashley, Sabrina, Sarah, Anthony, Leeah, Kassey, A.J., Heidi and Lisa, and numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving are two brothers Richard (Aggie), Michael (Madeline) and one sister Eileen Shea, all of Marysvale, Newfoundland.

Besides his wife, Jim was predeceased by a grandson James (2007) and a granddaughter Mandy (1969); three sisters Johanna Lush and Cecelia Fowler and Margaret in infancy; four brothers, John, Thomas, Patrick and a brother Joseph in infancy.

Visitation for the late Jim Bartlett will take place at T.W.Curry Parkview Chapel on Wednesday (today) from 7-9 p.m. and Thursday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 am at St. Theresa’s Church with Rev. Jim Oliver officiating. Interment in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.

Donations may be made to the C.B. Palliative Care Society or Victoria Haven Nursing Home, Glace Bay.

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