Obituary of Carroll "Coo" R. James

JAMES, Carroll (Coo) R., Age 88, of Dartmouth, NS passed away on April 28, 2023 in Halifax. Born in New Ross, NS, he was the son of the late William & Hattie(Elliott) James. Dad spent his childhood growing up in Pictou County and had many great stories of weekends with friends at Melmerby Beach that ultimately ended up back at Grammie’s house for dinner. He was a lifelong Leafs and Jays fan which was a little humorous as Mom was just as big of fan of the Habs….Saturday nights were interesting to say the least- Friday was ok as it was a night of Dallas and drinks. Dad’s first job was as a paperboy. According to Dad he had to travel down to the train station to collect 100 papers off the train before he could begin. That was of course traveling uphill both ways in the snow with no shoes. In his professional career Dad was the Director of the Department of Mines and Energy that later became Energy, Mines and Resources. After that he became Deputy Minister of Argiculture and Marketing, both for the province of Nova Scotia, until his retirement. Dad volunteered at St. Lukes Church, and often as a manager of his son’s hockey teams. He was a staple at the local rinks watching hockey or his daughter’s figure skating. In later years he became a big supporter of his grandkids activities and was again, seen at the rink for lacrosse/hockey and the ball field too. Perhaps it was his meticulous accountant ways but Dad kept everything and everything had it’s place. If anyone was in need of a manual or receipt he was your man. His corded drill with the original box that predated the birth of any of his children was most impressive. Despite his particular ways he was always there to lend a helping hand to neighbours, family and friends. One time a neighbour asked to use Dad’s extension ladder and he was happy to oblige. There must have been some confusion about the timeline because Dad happened to be up on the roof at the time only to find he was trapped there. Dad was in his happy place outside. He traveled and camped all over Canada and different parts of the US. Keji, Fundy, Hidden Hilltop, Hammonds and Baileys were just a few of his favourites. He enjoyed his family, nature and the great campfires that often accompanied these trips. One of his more memorable trips with Mom was traveling from Nova Scotia to Southern California enjoying the sights and history along Route 66, in particular, the Hoover Dam, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse and the Grand Canyon. Christmas was also a big event for our family that certainly has been passed down to Dad’s kids, grandkids and great grandkids. It was always about the decorations, lights and time with family that brought his whole family together. In the years since Mom’s passing Dad found great enjoyment at the family cottage in Marshville with his family- a Pictou County boy to the end. Dad was a dedicated son, brother, husband, father, uncle and grandfather. Dad became “Puppy” to most people when his oldest granddaughter “renamed him” He found it particularly amusing to be named after a dog...it stuck and it will forever be linked to kindness, wisdom, humour, big laughs and even bigger, and frightening sneezes! Puppy you will be forever missed but we won’t have to look far for reminders of your lasting legacy. Predeceased by his beloved wife Beverly. Survived by his children, Craig, Cindi, Mark (Lisa) and Andrew (Lise); sisters, Ethel Langille, Madelyn MacLean and Judy MacFarlane; sister-in-law, Mary; grandchildren, Aarica (Derrick), Jessica, Ryan (Emily), Madison, Miranda, Melayna, Halley, Gabrielle, Stella and Molly; great-grandchildren, Brayden, Liam, Kinsley, Hudson and Dylan. Predeceased by his brother, Melvin; sisters, Dorothy Celata and Rita Higson. Visitation will be held May 11th, 2023, from 6pm to 8pm in St. Lukes Anglican Church, 9 Veterans Avenue, Dartmouth, NS. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Parkinson’s or please go out and lend a hand to someone that could use your help.