It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father and grandfather, James (Jimmy) William Smith, age 85, on May 23, 2024, at Buchanan Memorial Hospital, Neil’s Harbour, NS. Jimmy was born on June 18, 1938 to John and Mary (Warr) Smith of New Haven.
Jimmy is survived by his daughters Melvina Smith (Steven), Frenchvale and Anne-Marie MacLeod (Kevin), Neil’s Harbour and sisters Mary Belle Rogers (Neil’s Harbour) and Ann Brown (Renfrew, Ontario). He is also survived by his pride and joy, grandson Dylan, Poppy’s boy. Jimmy also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Eleanor, brothers Everett, Stuart, Fred, Johnny, Clifford, sisters Winnie, Miriam and Rosie and two siblings in infancy. He was also predeceased by nephews Charlie, Kelvin and Douglas.
Jimmy spent his early years in the Canadian Army as an infantry soldier then later returned to Cape Breton as a lighthouse keeper on St. Paul Island. He spent the rest of his working years as a fisherman.
Jimmy loved to socialize and meet new people. No matter where he went he would run into someone he knew and never forgot a face. Jimmy was a proud member of Branch 85 of the Royal Canadian Legion. He was an avid dart player and enjoyed playing cards, drinking a cold beer, camping at Lake Ainslie, and daily visits with his buddies in the barn. Jimmy had a sense of humor and loved to string people along with his "tall tales.” His friends and family knew to watch for the smirk and the twinkle in his eye for the “real” truth.
The family would like to take this opportunity to thank the paramedics, nurses and doctors of Buchanan Memorial Hospital for their care and compassion shown to Dad during his brief stay. Your kindness will not be forgotten.
A celebration of Jimmy’s life will take place at St Andrew’s Church on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 3:00 PM with a reception to follow. If desired, donations in his memory can be made to St. Andrew’s Church, Neil’s Harbour. To view the service or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.fillmoreandwhitman.com.
