James Aloysius Gillis, 84, Grand Mira South. It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our father, and grandfather, James A. 'Jimmie' Gillis, 84, of Grand Mira South. Jimmie passed away peacefully at home with family by his side, after a brief illness, on January 27, 2022.
Born in Grand Mira, Jimmie was the son of the late Neil D. and Agnes (MacKinnon) Gillis. Jimmie was predeceased by his loving wife, Bette Mae (Lund) Gillis, brothers; Danny (Marie), Rannie, John (Marie), Joe, Neil and sister, Tina (Joe) Baldwin; brothers-in-law Johnny Lund, Gordie Lund, Elmer Lund, David Lund, Alister MacDonald, Wayne Cann, John Thompson, Lee Marshall, Raymond Petrie and sisters-in-law Frances Lund and Evelyn Petrie.
Jimmie is survived by his children, Jo-Anne, Grand Mira, Michelle (Carlo) Di Liberatore, Halifax, Scott (Bridget) Gillis, Sydney, and Rhonda, Halifax; his grandchildren, Leyna, Saxon, Jordon, Savannah, Rielle and Sloane. Jimmie is also survived by his sister, Sadie (Allan) MacNeil; sisters-in-law, Theresa and Peggy Gillis, Margie Lund, Eileen MacDonald, Louise Cann, Christina Thompson; Mora Lund, brother-in-law Eddy (Kaye) Lund, and numerous nieces and nephews; also, family friend Brian MacDonald.
In his younger years, he attended St. FX Junior College, but found his calling in the dairy industry as a dedicated milkman. Jimmie began his career as a helper with the late Neil MacKinnon at Brookfield Dairy. He transitioned to Cape Breton Dairy as a milk delivery driver servicing the industrial Cape Breton region. Over time, Jimmie was the milk provider to the Cabot Trail and continued to service his loyal customers throughout the amalgamation with Scotsburn Dairy. In 2002, Jimmie retired after a lengthy 45-year career.
Jimmie had a tremendous passion for playing cards (tarabish), as well as cheering for his beloved Maple Leafs & Blue Jays. He was born, raised and continued to live as a life-long resident of Grand Mira South. He was a dedicated pillar of the community and was involved in many community organizations. Jimmie was a Founding Member and Vice Chair of the Grand Mira Community Society, active member of the Grand Mira Men’s Club and founding leader in the inception of the St. Margaret’s Parish Council. When the community hall was destroyed by fire in April 2005, Jimmie was instrumental in the community hall rebuild. In December 2005 the hall was completed and back to fully serving the community.
Jimmie had many loves in his life, including his family, his community and his coined catch phrases. His most frequently used was: “Hold the phone,” which meant you were about to be corrected and your viewpoint readjusted. Jimmie had a unique sense of humor and had a punch line delivery that was unmatched. He had more tools than Home Depot and was known throughout the community as a “jack of all trades.” When he completed projects, it had to pass the “good enough” inspection. He was an avid reader of books and poetry and in his later years was able to travel abroad and share stories of his favorite destination, Ireland. Jimmie’s storytelling and life-long lesson sharing will be deeply missed.
Due to COVID restrictions, we are asking that only those who have been invited attend the service. Unfortunately, there will be no visitation. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11am on Tuesday February 1st at St. Margaret of Scotland Church, Grand Mira South. Fr. Paul McGillvray will officiate. Internment will follow in the parish cemetery. The Mass will be available for viewing through T.W.Curry’s Facebook page. Donations in Jimmie’s memory may be made to St. Margaret’s Cemetery Fund, Grand Mira Community Society, or a charity of your choice. Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.twcurry.com.
“We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind;” ~ William Wordsworth
