Ronald Big Jim James MacLean

Born in Sydney on November 28, 1936 he was the son of the late Ronald (Ranny) and Elizabeth (Hines).

Jim will be forever remembered by his loving wife of 50 years, Joyce (MacDonald). His loving children, Ronald (Sue), Ottawa, Karen (Dan) MacKinnon, Fall River, Jim (Nancy), Timberlea, Debbie (Jim) MacRury , Mira and his adoring grandchildren, Katie, Gregory, Lauren, Scott, Joseph, Calum, Michael and Rannie. He is also remembered by his sister Peggy (Sanderson) who adored him and his best friend and cousin Kevin MacIntyre and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Jim was predeceased by his sisters Sadie (James Buchanan), Irene (Art McMahon), Rita (Dennis Natalona), Kay (Frank Penny) and Georgina (George Walker) and brother-in-laws Sandy Sanderson, Mickey Gillis and John F. MacDonald.

Jim worked as a fireman on the S&L Railroad in 1954 for 6 years. Jim owned/operated Jim’s Irving on Ashby corner then he started working at R.J. Logue and continued working as sales manager with Duncan MacIntyre at MacIntyre Chev. for 30 plus years. Jim was a member of the Board of Directors of the Sydney Co-op and a member of the Lingan Golf and Country Club for many years where he was a former board member.

Jim was very proud to be from Ashby corner where he grew up on Margaret St. He had a tremendous knowledge of the history of the community which he loved to share. Jim was very passionate about sports. He enjoyed being involved with harness racing at the Cape Breton Sports Center. One of his favourite sports was baseball and he played first base with the Sydney Steel Kings and New Waterford Giants. He loved his game of golf and was always certain to make his tee time. Jim and Joyce were among a devoted group of friends who traveled to Florida, Italy and Ireland among many other places.

Jim had many accomplishments in his life, including a successful hockey career. He played at Constantine School and St. Theresa’s parish and progressed to play with the Sydney Mines Ten Pennies. Jim advanced to the top level of senior hockey in Eastern Canada and professionally in the Eastern United States. The Sydney Millionaire’s Oldtimers Hockey team was a significant part of his hockey career where he made long lasting friendships. Jim was recognized for his hockey achievements when he was inducted into the Cape Breton Sports Hall of Fame in 2006 for the team award with the Sydney Mines Ten Pennies and in 2008 for his individual achievement in hockey. He was further recognized by the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame in 2008 for his team achievement with the Amherst Senior Ramblers Hockey team.

Big Jim was well respected as a hockey coach and mentor and he was a positive influence in many lives. In 1979 he successfully coached the Whitney Pier Steelers to the Midget A crown.

Jim was a member of St. Theresa’s Parish and he was active in the Men’s Club and loved to sing as a member of the Senior Choir.Jim treasured his time with Joyce, his children and grandchildren who enjoyed his many hockey stories and great sense of humour. Jim was always a part of the circle of friends of his children and grandchildren.

Dad was a wonderful man and was loved by all that knew him.

Visitation will be held at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel on Wednesday from 7-9

pm and Thursday, 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday 2 pm at St. Theresa’s Church, Sydney with Father Oliver officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cancer Care Center at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital or your local S.P.C.A. Online condolences to www.twcurry.com

A special thank you to the VON, Palliative Care and The Cancer Care Unit for their care and compassion during this challenging time in Jim’s life.

You can do nothing about avoiding death, but you can do something about living well.

St. Augustine of Hippo, 354-430