On the beautiful afternoon of April 23rd, our father, Papa, brother, partner, and friend, James Gillis (Jim) MacCormack, passed away peacefully in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital in Antigonish with his family by his side.
Dad was born on October 23, 1949, in Big Marsh, Antigonish County to the late Evelyn (Gillis) and Frank MacCormack. He grew up, surrounded by his siblings and his cousins, running the roads and woods of Big Marsh. After high school, Dad went to work at M and M Motors, then joined the staff of C.B. Hoare Auto Parts in 1970. He later purchased the business with his partner, Will Sutherland, and they ran a successful business franchise until they retired in 2015. Over the years, Dad was involved in many professional committees.
While at a Coffee House at St. Martha’s Nurses’ Residence, Dad met the love of his life, Emma Lee (MacDonald). They married in 1970 and together raised three children, Trudy Rogers (Cory MacPherson), Antigonish; Tonya (Dave) Macgillivray, Calgary, AB; and Tyson MacCormack (Maria Thistle), Sackville, NB. He is also survived by the mother of his children, Emma Lee MacDonald, and his brother, Frank MacCormick (Sheryl Wilton), Dartmouth, NS. He will be missed by many friends and extended family in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and across Canada.
Dad was Papa Jim to five wonderful grandchildren: Ben and Emma Macgillivray (Calgary, AB), Sarah Rogers (Antigonish) and William and Henry MacCormack (Sackville, NB). He spoiled them and was so proud of each of his grandbabies.
Besides his parents, Dad was predeceased by his brother Angus Neil "Buddy" MacCormack, and his stepfather, Angus MacDonald.
If you knew Jim, you know he was blessed with a fantastic sense of humor and a mischievous spirit. He loved to tease his children’s friends, and was always in on a good joke. He was happiest when he was surrounded by family and friends. He enjoyed hunting and skidooing trips with the boys, visiting colleagues in Moncton, camping at Red Point Beach in PEI, and going on tours in one of his muscle cars. He loved his home in Lanark, enjoying wildlife and his beautiful view of the harbour. He was a frequent visitor to his farming neighbors, always interested in what was new on the farm.
The family would like to thank Dr. Michele Murphy, Dad’s family physician, for her outstanding care and kindness for over 50 years. To the amazing staff of St. Martha’s ICU and to Dr. MacEachen, your commitment to not only our father’s comfort, but to our entire family, was exceptional and we will never forget your compassion. We would be remiss if we didn’t recognize the support of our friends and family for your phone calls, texts, and generous contributions. We are so grateful for all of you.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m in C. L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College Street, Antigonish. Funeral Mass will be held Thursday in St. Ninian Cathedral at 2:00pm with Reverend Danny MacLennan presiding. Burial in the parish cemetery.
In Memoriam, donations to St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice are appreciated.
Online condolences: www.clcurry.com