Hamper, James Henry of Sydney River passed away the morning of 17th October, 2022, aged 79 years. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Leona (née Melski); sons Robert, James and Michael, grandchildren Frederick, Alexander, Grace, Nicholas and Leah. He is also survived by his sister Denise Sibley. He is predeceased by his mother Gwynneth (nee Bannister), father Ernest and sister Nellie Ball.
James, Jim to all who knew him, loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and angler all his life. He was most at home in the woods and on the water. He became heavily involved in the Boy Scouts in Sydney River and Whitney Pier to share that love.
Not being able to fulfill a boyhood dream of serving in the RCAF, he turned to auto mechanics following his father. He had the extraordinary opportunity to teach his trade in Africa which turned into decades of running assistance projects in The Gambia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania among other nations. He contributed to a United Nations publication on rural development in Africa.
Retiring back to Cape Breton he enjoyed being at home with his woodworking and tinkering in his garage. There was seemingly nothing he couldn't fix or project he wouldn't tackle.
His personal strength and determination in facing the various obstacles and challenges placed in his path over a lifetime were inspiring to his family and those that got to know him. From a near crippling accident to the requirement of a double lung transplant and finally cancer, he faced it all with a grit that was hard to fathom. He never let it stand in the way of enjoying life, his family and his dog. He will be sorely missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a cancer charity of your choice. We would also like to extend thanks and gratitude to the staff of the Cape Breton Cancer Centre, the Renal Clinic at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital and finally the nurses of the V.O.N.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Oct 22, at 11am, at TW Curry Parkview Chapel in Sydney with a reception to follow. Father Rich Philiposki SChr. officiating. To leave memories and condolences please visit www.twcurry.com.
