It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our father at the Dr. Everett Chalmers hospital on Dec. 31, 2018. James passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones after a brief illness. Born in Saint John NB on Dec. 15, 1935 he was the son of the late Gladys (Angel) and Frank Jeffrey.
He was predeceased by his loving wife of 57 years Barbara (Godfrey) and his son Mark James (Willa Stevenson). James is also survived by his daughter Jill (Mike Arthur) Bedford NS, son Andrew (Monique) Fredericton NB, daughter Jane (Brian McKeown) Fredericton NB. "Bamp" was much loved by all his grandchildren, Andrew and Caroline (Jeffrey) Healy, Shane Arthur, Mark and Samuel Jeffrey, Megan and Sarah McKeown. He is also survived by sister in law Lynn (Bruce Redding) St. Catherine’s ON. Also, nieces Debbie, Janet and Lori (Redding).
"Jimmy" grew up in Saint John NB, where he excelled in football and hockey. He began his career with Pittfield McKay, where he met his lifetime love Barbara. He started his journey as a traveling salesman with International Harvester living in New Glasgow and Truro NS. Jim could talk for many hours on the "life lessons" learned while on the road. He settled in Fredericton where he and Barb raised their family.
For most of his life Jim was employed in the automotive industry. He worked many years with J.Clarke & Sons with car and truck sales, Mack Maritime (Dartmouth) and finally with Buzzell’s Automotive until retirement. In the 80’s many people knew Jim though his ownership of the Waterloo Row Esso station.
Jim was heavily involved in the Fredericton community all his life. He was member of the Kiwanis Club, Fredericton Golf and Curling Club, Ducks Unlimited, and the Fredericton Sports Investment Inc. Jim headed up the transportation committee for the 1982 Jr. World Curling Championships, he spearheaded the 1990 24 Hour Labatt Relay, and was a huge supporter of the Varsity Reds hockey program, often seen trying to coach behind the bench. While living in Bedford NS from 1974-1978, he served as President of Bedford Minor Hockey Association and was involved with the Bedford Lions Club. Most recently Jim served on the Seniors Advocacy Committee with the Fredericton City Police. His favourite day was his Wednesday morning coffee with the 100 + "Golden Club".
Most of all Jim was a generous family man, who always put his wife and children first. There are many people who have benefited from Jim’s kind ways. Jim built the family cottage at White’s Cove, Grand Lake over 53 years ago and he and Barbara spent many months there each year. As well, they loved to travel, and he and Barb had many road trips with good friends, along the Maine coast, New York City, and Florida. He now can enjoy the sunsets with his Barbie.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday Jan. 3rd at 2:00 pm at Saint Paul’s United Church, 224 York St. Fredericton. No visitation. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the "Mark Jeffrey Hockey Scholarship" at UNB, or York Care Foundation. The family will like to express their heartful thanks Dr. Jill Hudson, Dr. John Murdoch and the ICU team at the DECH, especially Lana. Online condolences or sharing of memories can be made at www.bishopsfuneralhome.com