With sadness we announce the passing of Jim Scriven on August 9, 2022.
Jim's life journey began in Halifax on June 8, 1933. He was the son of Blanche (Wootten) and James A. Scriven. His education began at College Street School and continued to St. Patrick's High School, St. Mary's University (Dip Eng. '53), and the Nova Scotia Technical College where he graduated in 1955 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Jim spent two years in England on an English Electric Fellowship working on steam turbine design and power plant construction. Upon return to Halifax he worked at Nova Scotia Light & Power then joined the consulting firm of Cosgrove-Monti & Assoc. working on the design of mechanical systems for commercial, institutional, industrial, and residential buildings in Nova Scotia.
In 1965 he joined F.C. O'Neill & Assoc. working on projects throughout Atlantic Canada. He later became Vice President of the firm which was renamed F.C. O'Neill, Scriven & Associates. Jim worked on the Halifax Metro Centre, Atlantic Veterinary College, Nova Scotia Archives, Bridgewater Hospital, Glace Bay Hospital, Ship Repair Unit at the Halifax Dockyard, many buildings on the Saint Mary's University and Mount St. Vincent Campuses, RCMP Crime Lab, and many other power plants and schools throughout Atlantic Canada.
Jim's career saw the tools of his trade change from a slide rule to a calculator, to a mainframe computer, to a PC. These changes were helped along by many phone calls to his children (regardless of the hour). When his children were unable to assist he'd end up asking Suri.
Jim was a generous volunteer; some of the organizations he worked with include the Association of Professional Engineers of NS (APENS), the American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) where he served one term as President of the Atlantic Chapter, NS Tennis Association, serving as President for two terms, South End Tennis Club where he served more than 20 years as President, Canadian Tennis Association, and St. Agnes Church where he served as Chairman of the Property and Maintenance Committee. In 1989, ASHRAE awarded Jim a Fellowship recognizing his substantial contribution to the sciences of heating, refrigeration, air conditioning, and ventilation and in 2016 he was awarded a Distinguished 50 Year Member Award. In 1999 APENS granted him an Honorary Life Award, in 2008 Engineers Canada bestowed the designation of Fellow in honour of exceptional contributions to the engineering profession in Canada, and in 2013 the Halifax Archdiocese awarded him the Archdiocesan Medal of Merit.
At age 11 or 12 Jim and his pals picked up tennis rackets at Halifax's All Saints Cathedral Tennis Club and this became an interest and passion. Playing matches competitively and socially, locally and internationally, tennis would be a part of Jim for his entire life. Among his tennis memories was being a spectator at Wimbledon. Throughout his life Jim also played squash, badminton, hockey, golf, bowling, and spent many years fishing.
During his 25+ years of retirement Jim took up golf which was a constant work in progress. He also authored three books: South End Lawn Tennis Club 1890-1998, 100th Anniversary of St. Agnes Parish, and the Construction of a Tennis Court.
While working at NS Light & Power, he met his wife, Erna (Geyer), the company nurse. They married in 1959 and had three children: Peter (Wendy), Jamie (Shawna), and Sandra (Murray deceased). In addition to his wife and children he is survived by his sister, Jean Thompson (Mike deceased), grandchildren Ash, Livia, and Chris, and many nieces and nephews.
Jim took pride in his family and their endeavours and he never tired of building the backyard rink every winter, life guarding the pool, driving the kids and their friends to all of their activities, and eventually teaching them all how to drive Erna's standard shift car.
Jim was a credible representative of his community, his profession and his faith. And above all he was a true gentlemen.
Visitation will take place at Snow's Funeral home on Lacewood Drive Monday August 15 from 2-4, 6-8.
Funeral Mass at St. Agnes Church Tuesday, August 16 at 2 pm.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the QEII Foundation.
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