1930 – 2023 (93)
1 PPCLI
James Alexander “Jim” McNutt (Captain, Retired, CD2) – 93, Truro, formerly of Shortts Lake, passed away peacefully, with family by his side, on Remembrance Day, at Lillian Fraser Memorial Hospital, Tatamagouche. Born in Halifax, he was a son of the late Bessie and Lewis (Brimicombe) McNutt.
James was a former paratrooper with the 1st Bn. Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI Atlantic), a former member of Canadian Intelligence Corps., Training Officer 1st Bn. NS Highlanders (N) C.O. of 2928 RCACC and retired from Canadian Forces Medical Service after 37 years. He was a long-time member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 26, having just received his 60 year service award this month. He was also a member of Atlantic Canada Military Vehicle Association, a former member of Brookfield Men’s Club and Colchester Scottish Society.
For many years he was a member of Knox United Church, Brookfield and was past chairman of the finance committee to build the church hall. He was also a member of First United Church, Truro. Jim was also a long time Red Cross blood donor, donating over 65 times. Jim loved working with his hands doing woodworking, restoring cars and jeeps, working as pit crew while his son Bruce was auto racing, and boating at the lake. He was an avid reader and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles. Jim loved to sing and sang with Knox United Church Choir, Truro Novatones, Legion Lyrics, and John Fisher Men’s Choir.
Later during his retirement, he learned to play guitar, and travelled with his wife Shirley, spending summers at Brule Point and winters in the sunny south. In later years he and Shirley enjoyed their summer months at their trailer at Ocean Breeze RV Park in Marshville, Pictou County.
Jim was a hard worker and valued money from a young age. When he was 13 he started delivering the Halifax Herald; he did this at recess, noon hours, and after school. It took him two years to save up for a bicycle. He always said that saving money pays off in the end. Jim also loved his family and believed that we don’t die, as the things we pass on to our children, we go on living through them.
Jim is survived by his wife of 67 years, Shirley Anne (West); sons, Gregory (Karen), Cole Harbour; Bruce (Cathy), Truro; Terry (Melanie), Elmsdale; grandchildren, James, Jenna, Jason, Christine (Lindsay), Caitlyn (Andrew), Matthew (Joni), Michael, Colton (Ocean); great grandchildren, Olivia, Sophia, Max, Aurora; sister, Jean Gratto, Highland Village; several nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by five brothers and five sisters.
The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and other health care professionals at Colchester East Hants Health Centre in Truro and Lillian Fraser Memorial Hospital in Tatamagouche for their care.
Jim’s family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, November 16, 2023, at Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, and where members of Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 26, will conduct a Legion Tribute Service at 12:30 p.m., Friday, November 17, 2023, followed by the funeral service at 1 p.m., Reverend Catherine Crooks officiating. Reception will follow. Interment in Crossroads Cemetery, 110 Salmon River Road, Valley. No flowers by request. If so desired, donations in Jim’s memory to First United Church (Restoration Fund) are welcomed. Public messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Jim’s obituary on-line and selecting “Send A Condolence” at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
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