The family of Dr. William James Shaffner are saddened to announce the sudden death of their husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and uncle.

Jim was born in Halifax, N.S.  5 minutes before his younger identical twin. He was brought up in Bridgewater Nova Scotia. After leaving Bridgewater he embarked on a lifelong journey of learning; attending The McClelan School of Engineering at Mount Allison University, the Nova Scotia Technical College completing a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering, the University of New Brunswick, completing a Master’s in engineering, and lastly completing a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Science at The University of Western Ontario. He was a dedicated and passionate member of the public service retiring from the Department of Environment with the Province of New Brunswick. Through his career he was a founding and lifetime member of the Maritime Provinces Water and Wastewater Association, supporting those who managed the operations of wastewater.

Jim continued his lifelong learning and fostered his faith and spiritual life by attending the Atlantic School of Theology, graduating with a Master of Divinity, and was ordained into the United Church of Canada as a Minister of the United Church in 2006. Through this role, he held many congregations in his heart, serving their needs and rejoicing in their community.

Well beyond Jim’s professional accomplishments, Jim was a kind, and compassionate man, an avid fisherman, refined small craft boat builder, and a particular gardener. He was a husband who vowed to take care and love Carol for all of his days, a father who believed in his daughter, Jeniffer’s potential beyond what she could ever imagine for herself, a father in law that loved David like a son, a grandfather and great grandfather who shared in Ashley, Adam and Rosemary’s youthful spirit, a brother who loved Vernon and Linda in a quiet and unconditional way.

Jim is survived by his wife Carol of 58 years, daughter Jeniffer ( David) Hilling, Antigonish, granddaughter Ashley ( Travis) Pettipas, Antigonish, grandson Adam ( Maggie MacLean) Hilling, New Glasgow, great grand daughter Rosemary Pettipas ( daughter of Ashley and Travis Pettipas), twin brother Vernon ( Dianne) Shaffner, Halifax,  sister Linda Shaffner, Green Bay, Nova Scotia, nieces Sherry, Karen, Pamela, Terry and nephews Peter, Richard, Jonathan, and Matthew.

Jim was predeceased by his father William Judson Shaffner and mother Irene Winsor (Bennett) Shaffner, brother in law Donald (Betty) Lusby, and sister in law Lilly (Lusby) (Art) Chapman, mother and father in law Lula and Botsford Lusby.

Cremation has taken place.  Funeral arrangements are in the trusted care of H.W. Angus Funeral Home, 256 King St., New Glasgow, N.S. The family will receive friends from 1-3 pm on Wednesday, June 3 in the H.W. Angus Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 4, in Merigomish United Church with Rev. Jun Hyok Chon officiating.

 Donations may be made to the IWK Children’s Wish Foundation, Merigomish United Church, Merigomish, N.S. or a charity of your choice.