James Edward McKay

Jim served in the Canadian Armed Forces from 1942-46. He began his army career as a Private with the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps and then transferred to the F5110A Infantry of the Cape Breton Highlanders as Corporal.

He had a long career with the department of Health and Welfare Canada, working in Newfoundland and New Brunswick before settling back in his native Nova Scotia and retiring as Regional Director.

He was a humble, wise and soft-spoken family man with a dry sense of humour. He never spoke a bad word against anyone or anything and only offered his advice if asked. An avid sports fan, he lived for golf and loved to watch all sports, especially the Blue Jays, the Patriots and the Canadiens.

Jim is survived by daughter, Susan (Michael McIsaac); sons, Earl Jessiman (Tracy) and Michael Jessiman (Launa); grandchildren, Robyn (Rick Kelly), Emma, Luke, Sydney, Mackay, Owen and Evan, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by wife of 41 years, Marjorie (MacIntyre); parents, Walter and Catherine; siblings, Katherine, Tess, Mickey, Aileen, Dorothy, Art, Joyce and Sandy, and first wife, Lydia.

Loving thanks to extended family, Angela Hiltz and Denna Beaman for their devoted care of our father, friend, Grandad and Da.

A true gentleman, Jim was loved and respected by all who knew him. He will be missed by all of us for his wise advice, dry wit and loving support. We love him deeply and will miss him immeasurably.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice. Visitation for Jim will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., from 6-8 pm. Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Benedict Church, 45 Radcliffe Dr., on Friday, February 23, 2018 at 10:30 am with reception to follow.

“A great soul serves everyone all the time.

A great soul never dies.

It brings us together again and again.”

- Maya Angelou