Obituary of Jimmy O'Neill

James Fraser O’Neill Glace Bay It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James Fraser O’Neill, age 88, surrounded by his loving family, at his home in Glace Bay on June 3, 2020. Jim was born on May 2, 1932 to the late Thomas and Ethel O’Neill of Whitney Pier. After growing up in Sydney, Jim enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces where he served his country in Korea. Upon returning to Canada he worked in construction which included driving a dump truck during the Installation of the Sydney radar base. After completing a welding program at the Westmount Naval Base he applied his expertise of the trade working for 25 years with AECL at the Glace Bay heavy water plant, and retired in 1987 when the plant closed. Jim was also proud to be a member of the Branch 3 Legion in Glace Bay. Always an avid outdoorsman, Jim became a devoted member of the Airway Beagle Club. He entered his dogs in competitions across the Maritime provinces and was always very proud of the many ribbons and trophies they had won over the years. He loved having visitors and really enjoyed serving them his favourite food, lobster. Family and friends were never at a loss for what to get Jim for any special occasion, and he was always pleased when you could sit to share in the feast. He was predeceased by his sisters Mary, Margaret, Bernadette, Grace, Catherine, Joey, Betty, and brothers Michael, Earl, Tommy and Jimmy Simpson ( Bunny ) Jim is survived by two sisters Sally (Hennick) Sydney and Rose ( Larry Wilkie) Ontario. He is also survived by his loving wife of 63 years Mary “Snookie” (Moules) and their six children. Jim (Harla) Ontario, Mona (Francis) McDonald, Clary (Darlene), Mira, Kelly(Paul) Tobin, Shaun (Diana), Barbie (Gerry Bennet). He’s also survived by 17 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. In his later years Jim’s oldest grandson Fran was his constant helper and handyman where he became an integral part of his grandparents day to day lives. In his final months, Jim was blessed to have his 3 daughters provide him with constant care and comfort. To each of them the family owes a tremendous debt of gratitude. The family also wishes to thank Dr. McKillop, the VON, and his palliative care nurses for their compassion and support. A private ceremony for the family will be held at Forest Haven cemetery and a celebration of Jim‘s life will be announced at a later date. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay, NS (902-849-4199). Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com