It is with sad hearts that we announce the death of James Aloysius "Jimmy" Boudreau, formerly of East Tracadie, Antigonish County, who passed away at the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home on March 9th, 2026, at the age of 95.
James was the eldest of six children born to William and Hilda (Levangie) Boudreau on May 15th, 1930.
James is survived by his children, Gary (Sheila), Hampton, N.B.; Laverne, Hamilton, Ontario; Carmen (Theresa), Dagger Woods, Antigonish Co.; Lynn (Kieth), Hamilton, Ont.; Darren, Kelowna, B.C.; brothers, Richard (Betty), R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home; and Albert (Sharon), East Tracadie.
James is also survived by, and very proud of, his twelve grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren. He was always so happy to see them.
Besides his parents, Willie and Hilda, James was predeceased by his wife of 68 years Marie on April 28, 2022; as well as his infant son, Eugene; brothers, Eugene and William; and sister, Celestine.
James began his career with CN Railroad in 1949 and retired after 39 years and 1 month, in 1988. Many stories unfolded throughout this long period of faithful service.
James was an avid lobster fisherman for 50 years and loved being in a boat and on the water. The only thing he liked better was cooking up a pot of those lobsters and sitting with family and friends to enjoy a good feed! And he cooked them so well!
James was a wonderful neighbour and friend, willing to lend a helping hand or a taxi trip or share some of his beautiful garden produce. They have many wonderful memories of their life in Heatherton when Jimmy worked from the CN Station for thirteen years and the family lived there.
He was very proud of the years he served as an adult altar server at St. Peter’s Church in Tracadie. He was a proud member of the Liberal Party of Canada having met Pierre Trudeau before he became prime minister, and he enjoyed a great friendship with the late Bill Gillis.
When James realized he was losing his sight, he turned in his license, and we are all very grateful to his brother, Albert, who became his main source of transportation.
The family would like to thank the staff of the R. K. for the wonderful care and attention given to James while he was in residence there, and to Dr. Eckart, whom Jimmy and Marie both loved as a family doctor. A big thank you for the great care you gave.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 16th, from 2 to 5pm in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College Street, Antigonish. Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, June 17th, in St. Peter's Church, Tracadie, at 11:00am, with Fr. John Barry presiding. Burial in the parish cemetery.
In Memoriam, donations to St. Peter’s Parish Cemetery or the charity of choice appreciated.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of C.L. Curry Funeral Home, Antigonish. Online condolences: www.clcurry.com
Rest in peace Poppy.