James Alexander Smith

With deep sadness we announce the passing of Dr. James (Jim) Smith. Born in Liverpool, NS, to the late Ronald and Jean (Smith) Smith, Jim was the eldest of 8 children. His love of learning started in a one room schoolhouse in Port Mouton, NS and carried him across the country to UBC. There he completed a BSc degree, paying his way as a cook and deck hand on west coast fishing boats. He came home to Nova Scotia for medical school at Dalhousie University. In 1964 he opened his family practice in Dartmouth, NS. His medical career spanned three decades and won him numerous awards, including the 1985 Family Physician of the Year Award from the College of Family Physicians of Canada. He was a past president of the NS Chapter of the Canadian Academy of Sports Medicine and Team Canada Physician at the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand.

In 1984 Jim was elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly. He unwaveringly represented and served the people of Dartmouth East as a Liberal MLA, winning re-election in 1988, 1993, 1998 and 1999. During his time in government, he had the honour of serving in Cabinet as Minister of Community Services, Justice, Health, and Housing and Municipal Affairs. In his public life, Jim was always committed to justice, fairness, and, most importantly, kindness. He strongly believed in standing up for what is right; so it was fitting that he chose a life of serving people. His dedication to community service was repeatedly recognized and celebrated, including with the Silver Keystone Award from the National Boys and Girls Club of Canada, the 125th Anniversary of Confederation of Canada Medal, the Canadian Centennial Medal, and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal. Beyond his many accolades and accomplishments, Jim will be fondly remembered for his great sense of humour and ability to spin a good yarn.

He will be most greatly missed by his loving wife of 40 years, Linda (Hubley), their children, Alexa (Bryce Thibodeau) and Michael (Elaine Cameron) of Rothesay, and his children Kevin, Colleen, and Brian (Nancy Palejko) of Vancouver, from his first marriage to Frances (O’Brien) Rosenberg. Jim’s cherished grandchildren, Anna, Ivy, James, and Malcolm will particularly miss story time with Grampy.

He is survived by his sisters, Carol (Fred Turner) and Dana, and brothers, Leonard (Pat Bates) and David. He was predeceased by his brothers, Bill and Dale, his sister, Margie Brown, and sister-in-law, Janet Smith. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews, as well as many close friends.

The family is thankful for the compassion and care shown to Jim by EHS, and staff in the Emergency Department and 5.2 ICU at the Halifax Infirmary of the QEII Hospital. Because of their efforts, all five of his children got to be with him at the end of his life.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Jim’s name to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Halifax at www.bgcgh.ca or a charity of your choice.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, February 9th from 2-4 pm in J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax. A Celebration of Life Service with a reception to follow will take place on Monday, February 10th at 2pm in the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, 1055 Marginal Road, Halifax. Cremation has taken place, with a private interment at a later date.

For online condolences please visit: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com