It is with broken hearts and a sense of profound sadness and loss that we announce the passing of James Alexander Hoffman, age 81 on Thursday February 22, 2024 at home surrounded by his loving family and close friends. Jimmie passed away after a brief illness with the love of his life, Loretta by his side.
Born and raised in Glace Bay, Jimmie was the son of the late Max and Catherine (MacKay) Hoffman. He was the oldest of his 6 siblings Butch, Ralph, Betty, Marilyn and Kenny.
Jimmie is survived by his best friend, love of his life, and wife of 55 years Loretta (Lancaster), daughters Cori Bailey (Derek) Glace Bay, Kelly Landers (Todd) Fredericton NB, and son Jamie Hoffman (Courtney) Glace Bay. He is also survived by his 7 beautiful grandchildren of whom he was so very proud of and adored Brianna (Devin), Brandon, Grace (Nick), Ella, Camrynn, Abbie, and Madelaine; brother Ralph Hoffman (Belinda); sisters Betty Saccary and Marilyn Sarty, sister in law Jean Hoffman, as well as many nieces and nephews of whom he was very close.
Besides his parents he was predeceased by his brothers Joseph "Butch" and Kenny Hoffman, son in law Dean Landers and brother in law Bruce Sarty.
Jimmie enjoyed many things in life but nothing more than his beautiful family. With the love of his life Loretta by his side they raised 3 beautiful children Cori, Kelly and Jamie and went on to grow their family with 7 precious grandchildren. They both spent much time travelling and his favorite trips that he most enjoyed were the shopping trips to the States with Loretta and his girls, going to Florida to see his Yankees at the spring training camps and most of all New York. They were both on a trip during the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre.
Jimmie leaves behind a sports legacy in baseball, broomball, hockey, he was also a coach and community supporter. He was scouted by the Boston Red Sox in 1961, took a silver metal home in 1977 from the Canadian National Championship in broomball. In 1981 he coached Team NS in an undefeated gold medal win. He was also inducted into the Glace Bay Sports Wall of Fame, the NS Sports Hall of Fame and the Cape Breton Sports Hall of Fame as both a player and coach.
Jimmie was employed with Devco for over 30 years spending time working in No. 26 and held a supervisor of maintenance position. He also devoted 52 years of his life as the president of Caledonia Club.
In following Jimmie's wishes cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Patten Funeral Home. Services for Jimmie will be announced at a later date. Online condolences can be sent to www.pattenfuneral.com