Obituary of James Thomas Johnson

Capt. (Ret'd.) James Thomas Johnson CD Adele and Kim were with Jim when he quietly slipped away in the Palliative Care Unit of the Aberdeen Hospital on Tuesday, August 23, 2016. It broke their hearts to let him go. Jim was born in New Glasgow on Mother’s Day, May 13, 1945, the only son of the late James B. and Florence M. (Boutilier) Johnson. He grew up in Stellarton’s iconic Asphalt neighbourhood, attended Stellarton schools and in 1963 enlisted in the Royal Canadian Airforce. A 30 year career ensued – one of challenges and unique experiences, opportunities and travel. Qualified originally as a professional Military Firefighter, he went on to train for and serve in various capacities from coast to coast in Canada in the Military Construction Engineering field. He deployed twice with NATO: 1974-79 to CFB Lahr, West Germany, and in 1979-81 he was seconded to the Royal Canadian Navy aboard HMCS Huron. In 1991-92 he proudly represented Canada as a Military Observer/Liaison Officer with the United Nations Troop Supervisory Organization (UNTSO) on the volatile borders of Israel, Lebanon, and Syria. Commissioned (CFR) in April 1981, he retired with the rank of Captain in 1994. He and Adele came home to Stellarton to retire. Following retirement Jim was employed for several years with the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board driving School bus 36W. Several children whom he lifted up and on to his bus on day one were in Northumberland Regional High School’s graduating class the year he hung up the keys to 36W. For the past 6 years Jim served as a Film Classifier for the Film Classification Board of Service Nova Scotia. Jim and Adele travelled frequently following retirement throughout Eastern Canada, the United States and abroad to some special destinations on the bucket list such as Ireland, Iceland, and China. Jim’s favourite place to be, however, was his cottage on East Loon Lake. There he indulged his lifelong love of the outdoors and happily added to his collection of good times and good friends. A long time member of the YMCA, Jim was a regular there for many years. He was an avid sports fan and stubbornly loyal to the Leafs in spite of it all! Appreciative of most music, especially that of the Big Band era, he proved a gifted musician himself, as anyone who has ever heard him play the guitar or "the Boot" can attest! On a more serious musical note, he recently mastered the trumpet and thoroughly enjoyed every minute spent playing with the New Horizons Band and with Pictou County Brass and Reed. It is incredibly hard to part with someone who enjoyed life as much as Jim did. Although he has left those he loved with many wonderful memories, he will be sadly missed. "There are no problems, only solutions….". Jim is survived by his wife of 49 years, Adele (Brennan), Stellarton, and his daughter, the true light of his life, Kim, Halifax. Also surviving are his sisters Lorraine (Graham) Fraser, Thorburn and Jeanne (Lawrence) Buckler, Dartmouth and their families. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 7-9 pm on Friday, August 26, 2016 in the H.C. MacQuarrie Funeral Chapel, Stellarton. Memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, August 27, 2016 in Christ Anglican Church, Stellarton with Rev. Darlene Jewers officiating. Internment will be in the church cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Jim may be made to Christ Anglican Church, Stellarton, The Aberdeen Palliative Care Society or a charity of your choice. www.angusfuneralhomes.com