Obituary of James M. Whittaker

Whittaker, James (Jim) Meynell, age 74, of Halifax, died peacefully in Palliative Care on December 17, 2018, following a courageous 20 month battle with Lymphoma. Born on February 21, 1944 in Saint John, NB, he was the son of the late George and Mary (nee Meynell) Whittaker. Jim was a graduate of Saint John High School (‘62). Following graduation from Dalhousie University (B. Comm.) he enjoyed a 48 year career in the financial services industry. Jim attained designations as a Fellow of the Real Estate Industry (FRI), and Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers (FICB). He retired from his true career calling as Senior Administrator and Financial Counsellor with BDO Canada in 2014. Providing professional and compassionate advice/solutions to clients with credit and bankruptcy issues was his passion. Throughout his career Jim served as a board member on: the Saint John Board of Trade; Uptown Saint John Inc.; and the Saint John Real Estate Board. He was a member of the Saint John Rotary Club, and a long-time supporter of the United Way. Jim was a member of the Anglican Church of Canada; however, since moving to Halifax, Bedford United Church (BUC) has been his spiritual home. He was very excited to share the skills he developed throughout his career with BUC members by leading courses in personal finance. In retirement Jim and Jane renovated their cottage at Sand Point, Kingston Peninsula, NB, where they spent many happy and memorable summers with family and friends. Jim loved the game of golf, holding memberships at Westfield and Riverside Golf Clubs. Each summer was highlighted by the time he spent playing with his very special foursome of “old duffers”. Jim was a devoted family man and people person. He was an incredible role model and an endless source of guidance, love, and inspiration to his three children, whom he adored. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 15 years, Jane (nee Diamond) Whittaker; son, James (Jamie) Whittaker (Lana); Heather Whittaker (Joe Taylor); all of Saint John; Kristin King (Jeff), Dartmouth; step-children, Andrew Welch (Krista Prowse Welch), Halifax; and Sarah Alexander (Matt), Rothesay. Grampy/Jimmy-Jim will be missed by his cherished grandchildren Jacob, Maria and Rachel Whittaker and Isaiah King, as well as step-grandchildren Ben and Sophie Welch. Jim is also survived by his only brother, Peter Whittaker (Carol), his niece, Krista (Jayson) Nestoruk; nephew, Kurt (Crystal) Whittaker; and their children, all of Harvey Station, NB. Aside from his parents, Jim was also predeceased by his nephew, Luke Whittaker. This journey was made easier by the endless compassionate care and support of: Dr.Mary Margaret Keating (Hematology); the dedicated nurses and staff of 4V Hematology, 8A Hematology, and 7A Palliative Care; the unwaivering support of Margie and Ernie Blundell, and Sue Stewart and Cliff Dahms; and the loving gifts of cards, emails, food, phone calls, visits and humour from our family and friends. Special thanks also to Rev. David Hart, Rev. Diane Tingley, Rev. Matt Fillier, Rev. Katie Aven, and our BUC family for your thoughtfulness. Sharing this journey with all of you has been such a gift, and has made our lives bright during a dark time. Cremation has taken place under the direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, Bedford. (902-835-4212) Visitation will take place Thursday, December 20, 2018, 7-9 p.m. at Bedford United Church, 1200 Bedford Highway, Bedford, where a Celebration of Life service will take place on Friday, December 21, 2018 at 1 p.m., Rev. Matt Fillier officiating. A reception will follow in the church hall. Interment will take place at a later date at Hardings Point Cemetery, Kingston Peninsula, NB. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bedford United Church (https://www.bedfordunited.com/give/), or a charity of your choice. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, www.tjtracey.com