The crack of the bat, the ping of the golf ball, the swish of the free-throw, the ksssh of the skate blade against the ice, and that explosive belly laugh; these are the reverberations into the universe of Jim Power’s presence on this earth.
Delivered at the Grace Hospital in Halifax, weighing almost 15lbs, to Cynthia (Williams) and Pat Power of Queensport, Nova Scotia, James Patrick Power was a natural born athlete. As a very young lad, if he was not picking up rocks and hitting them with sticks along Wyse Road in Dartmouth, he could be found at the ball field across the street from their house watching the men play ball. Such was his passion for the game, that at age four, much to the chagrin of his mother, he decided it was better to have an ‘accident’ in his pants so he could stay and catch all the action than dart home to use the washroom.
His father died tragically when Jim was five, and his mother, Cynthia, relocated back to Queensport where he spent his formative years. The third of six children, he had the best of friends in his five siblings, who share his loving spirit, sense of fun, and booming laughter.
His love of sports and athletics led to the pursuit of a kinesiology degree at StFX, (class of ’72). Jim would go on to have a stellar career as a physical education teacher and coach. This career began with two years in Halifax County with the remainder of his career (30+ years) in Guysborough County.
In the summer months, Jim was a devoted softball player, playing with such teams as the Pomquet Reds, Arisaig Blues, and most favourably, the Guysborough Josts. In 1974, the Josts won the Maritime championship, for which he was forever proud. On this team he formed life-long friendships, and he and his teammates were inducted into the Municipality of the District of Guysborough’s Wall of Fame at the Chedabucto Lifestyle Centre in 2023.
Jim was the proud father of two daughters, Charlotte and Rachel. Char was born in 1970 and Rae came later in 1974. Inheriting his blond locks, and love of a good time and of a good laugh, these girls followed him wherever he went, often falling asleep in the car during double hitters at the Guysborough ball field. He was a great dad, merciless tickler, and their biggest champion. He loved his girls.
Jim met the love of his life, Jeanette Venedam, while in line at The Gayle. They had a chat, then a dance, and the sparks flew. This petite woman from Pomquet captured his heart and his funny bone, and so he proposed. They wed in 1992, and their wedding song, "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong, was fitting as their love transcended themselves. They lived a happy life together on Whidden St. and then on Mount Cameron Circle.
Golf became Jim’s passion once his knees prevented him from playing ball, gentlemen’s league hockey, or pick-up basketball at the O.C. He was an avid golfer in his retirement and became a member of Antigonish Golf and Country Club, where he got four hole-in-ones during his tenure there. As much as he loved to play, he also loved the camaraderie and friendships he formed at the club.
Aside from being an athlete and a die-hard Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Blue Jays fan, Jim loved woodwork and philosophy. He often tinkered in the shed with different woodworking projects for his family, especially for Jeanette’s crafts, and he and Rae spent many evenings philosophizing religion, the cosmos, and the many facets of life.
Jim was a gentle and thoughtful soul who was so giving of his time and talents. He was beloved husband, father, father-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend. He truly meant so much to so many.
Jim passed peacefully and surround by his loved ones on April 12th.He is predeceased by his father, Patrick Power, his mother, Cynthia Power, and his daughter, Charlotte Power.
Jim is survived by his wife, Jeanette Power; daughter, Rachel Power (Kenny Boyle); sisters Heather (Roger) Zwingler, Donna (Keith) Wheldon, Bella (Ed) Hommel, and Cynthia (Billy) McFarland; brother, Barry (Sue) Power; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Victorian Order of Nurses, Dr. Rice and her team, and the entire palliative care staff at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital.
Cremation has taken place, and there will be no visitation. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 17th in St. Ninian Cathedral in Antigonish, with Reverend Danny MacLennan presiding.
Family flowers only, please. Donations may be made in memory of Jim to the VON Antigonish or charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of C.L. Curry Funeral Home, Antigonish. Online condolences: www.clcurry.com.