James B Ells

A dedicated husband, father, reader, golfer, and sports fan, he graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Commerce in 1951, and was a Fellow of the Trust Companies Institute.

Joining Canada Trust Co. (formerly Eastern Trust, Eastern & Chartered Trust, and Canada Permanent Trust) in 1951 and served in managerial positions in Halifax, Charlottetown, Moncton, New Glasgow, and St. John’s, he returned to Halifax as manager of its main branch in 1975, retiring as an Assistant Vice President in 1986.

A firm believer in one’s duty to return talents and efforts to the community, he pursued an active volunteer career. A Little League coach in Halifax, he became President elect of the Moncton Junior Chamber of Commerce and chair of its Tourism Committee. In New Glasgow, he was President of Abercrombie Golf and Country Club, a director of Pictou County United Appeal (Payroll Deduction Committee chair), Children’s Aid Society, NS Rehabilitation Centre, and Rotary Club (Easter Seal Committee chair), and member of the City Club, Bluenose Curling Club, and St. George’s Anglican Church. In St. John’s, he was President of the Newfoundland T.B. (Lung) Association, Treasurer of the Rotary Club, a director of the St. John’s Board of Trade and Canadian Lung Association, and member of the Bally Haley Golf & Curling Club and St. Thomas Anglican Church. In Halifax, he served as President of the Canadian Cancer Society (NS Division), a director of Junior Achievement (Special Names Fundraising committee chair), NS Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation, and NS Anglican Diocese Investment Liaison subcommittee, and Warden of St. Phillips Anglican Church (also Parish Council member of NS Anglican Synod delegate). He was a member of the Halifax Club, Halifax Board of Trade, and Ashburn Golf Club. A chair of the NF and NS sections of the Trust Companies Association of Canada and honorary life member of the Canadian Cancer Society, he received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee medal for service to the community.

Predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Janet M. (Hennigar), Ells. Survived by son, Kevin James Ells (Ginger); daughter, Karen Lynn Kartusch (Mark); sister, Sheila Marjorie Tregunno (Paul); grandchildren, Matthew and Katherine Kartusch; goddaughter, Sophia Odessa Lytle; four nieces and nephews, and eight grand nieces and grand nephews.

Visitation will be held 7-9 p.m. Friday, August 7 in J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax (455-0531). Memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, August 8 in Anglican Church of the Apostles (formerly St. Phillip’s), Rev. Mark Marshall officiating, reception to follow on premises.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society (NS Division) or the Canadian Diabetes Society (Atlantic area).