James Ormond MacDonald

Blacketts Lake

It is with deep sorrow that I announce the passing of the Love of my Life, James Ormond MacDonald, in my arms, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital on Monday, November 5th.

James was born in Gardner, Maine, U.S.A. on November 9, 1941, he was the son of the late William and Yvonne (Boucher) MacDonald.

Jim graduated from Morse High School, Bath, Maine, in June 1960; and joined the U.S. Army Finance Corps. After extensive schooling in military finance and accounting, he graduated as an accounting specialist and was assigned to various field positions in accounting and financial management. In 1962, James was transferred to Orleans, France, on special assignment, where he served as an accounting advisor to the French civilians who worked for the U.S. Army Ordinance Supply Control Center in Europe. He enjoyed his time in France, making many new friends and learned a little French. He was a 20 year old Sergeant at the time. He was discharged from active duty in 1963, but served three additional years in the Army Reserve. He took up residence in Portland, Maine.

During that summer, James was reunited with his childhood playmate, Barbara Jean Sylliboy, his parents’ Godchild. They had begun corresponding while James was still on active duty, which became a life-changing experience. They married July 11, 1964.

After living and working in Portland for three years, James was appointed to an accounting position by the U.S. Navy Department in Brunswick, Maine. He served as an accounting supervisor, responsible for the financial operation of all the U.S. Navy Commissary stores in Maine. After eight years working for the Navy, James, Barbara and son, Robert (born in Brunswick), move to Nova Scotia so Barbara could be near her family in 1974. Because of his Scottish heritage, James loved the idea of moving to Nova Scotia.

Family lived with Barbara’s mother at Eskasoni First Nation for several months. He thoroughly enjoyed his time in the community and was overwhelmed by the open-armed welcome by the people. He made many lasting friendships while living there. James adored his mother-in-law and all the social activities she generated, including storytelling, laughter and card playing while sipping Oland’s beer. After a few months, family bought a home in Blacketts Lake, but James always stayed connected to his first home in Cape Breton.

With the recommendation and encouragement of Kathy Sorby, a long-time personal friend and one of the founding directors of the newly-formed Native Council of Nova Scotia, James was appointed Executive Director, based in Truro, Nova Scotia. In addition to managing the day-to-day affairs of the Council, he assisted local groups in their local levels in identifying and pooling local resources, and develop and audit various projects to enhance economic opportunity.

By this time, James had become a strong advocate for Native rights. He was a firm believer in historical treaty rights, and he never understood the reluctance of the government to deal with issues of such importance to Canada’s first citizens. He served on the Board of Directors of the Native Communications Society of Nova Scotia (MicMac News), Sydney, and the Mikmakik Development Corporation, based in Truro.

During this time, he continued taking many college-level courses, including courses in computer programming, professional photography, creative writing and Microsoft applications. He was also a published author of fiction and non-fiction.

Shortly after leaving the Council, he established his own business, working primarily with the non-profit sector. He helped non-profit groups form associations and did much of the infrastructure work, such as installing accounting and budgetary systems and controls, payroll and direct deposit, and computerized files management. He also provided professional business and technical writing services, program development and staff training. He taught courses in manual and computerized accounting, creative writing, Microsoft applications, photography and digital imaging. He designed and installed computerized business productivity solutions for his clients. James enjoyed a long relationship with the Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association of Nova Scotia and the Eskasoni School Board. He made many lasting friendships with those agencies over the years.

Throughout his career, James was a strong advocate for women in the workplace. He believed in equality in the workplace and ensured that women were given the same opportunities as men, and were paid equally. He also opposed all forms of discrimination, both inside and outside the workplace.

James retired in 2007, but continued working with wife Barbara, in their food service business (J&B Maine Style Subs) for 30 years. He was an avid woodworker and enjoyed many hours crafting woodcrafts, which he donated to charitable causes and Salites. He and Barbara were avid domestic and wild animal lovers. James built various bird feeding stations, and their yard became a haven for numerous birdlife and wildlife. James also assisted Barbara in maintaining a local feral colony. Upon the passing of their beloved dog, Kelly II, they established the Kelly II Memorial Fund, a self-supporting fund to assist needy pet owners with vet costs and other special needs.

James is survived by his wife of 59 years, Barbara Jean (Sylliboy) of Blacketts Lake, brother-in-law Benjamin Sylliboy, nephews Wayne Sylliboy (late Elizabeth), Daniel Sylliboy and Brian Paul (Serena), all of Eskasoni; sister-in-law Marylee MacDonald (late William) and their children, Tim (Deserae), Stephen, Michael and Cynthia; several nieces and nephews in Maine and Texas.

Besides his son, Robert James, and his parents, James was predeceased by his brothers, William and D. Michael, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Benjamin and Nancy (Morris) Sylliboy, sister-in-law, Annie E. Paul (George Fidelis), godchild, Michelin Ann MacDonald and niece, Elizabeth Ann Sylliboy.

I wish to thank the EHS Paramedics and the Outpatients Dept. of C.B. Regional Hospital; the following persons and services for providing comfort and support to James during his illness: Dr. Saliba and the nurses at the C.B. Regional Cancer Center; Drs. Burns, Crosby and Ritter; and nurses, especially Heather and Michelle, at Palliative Care; Andrew, Michele and Pharmacy staff at Meadows Pharmasave, Howie Center, for their friendship, dedication and care; the dedicated VON nurses, who tended to James during his illness; the doctors and nurses at the Palliative Unit during his last days and deep appreciation to our neighbors, Dwight & Linda Miles, Bobby Barrington, Jessie Burke, and Alan & Sharon McDonald. To our dear friend, Elder Kathy Sorby, who said prayers for Jim at the hospital.

Per Jim’s wishes, there will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place. Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Parish Church, Eskasoni, on Thursday, November 16th at 10:30am with Fr. Antolin Asor officiating, followed by meal and Salite. Burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the Cape Breton Regional Cancer Center or to the Feral and Abandoned Cat Society of Cape Breton. To share memories and condolences please visit www.twcurry.com.