Obituary of James Benjamin Gracie

It is with deep grief that we the family of James Benjamin Gracie announce his passing at home on Monday December 16, 2024, surrounded by his three loving daughters (all nurses like their Mama), who provided him with around the clock care for the last several months of his life. Daddy became known to all as “Papa” once the first grandchild (Joshua) came along, with many more to follow. He was a beloved father, father-in-law, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. His loss will leave a void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. We love you Daddy/Papa and will miss your presence deeply. Dad was the son of the late Tommy & Rita Gracie (nee Buckley) and was born and raised in Glace Bay. He was also predeceased by his wife Marion Olive Gracie (nee Lewis) of 62 years. Dad was a genuine storyteller! He loved sharing stories of his past and we loved listening to him. He grew up in WW2 times and would share stories about how difficult a period this was for everybody. His first job at age 10 was at Mendelson’s Grocery Store in Glace Bay “pecking potatoes” and by age 16 he was taught how to cut meat, which led him to work at this for several years. In 1960, Dad joined the Sydney Fire Department as a Firefighter and he remained in Fire Services for 39 years. For approximately the last 15 years of his career, he held positions as Fire Chief and Manager of Operations. In 1986 he was awarded the Governor Generals ‘Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal’ and in 1990 he was awarded the Governor Generals ‘First Bar Medal’ recognizing 30 years of service. He never bragged about this; in fact, he never mentioned it. We found out about these when he was gone and are so very proud of him for his achievements and for his humility. Dad met Mom at age 18, who was in Nursing School in Glace Bay; they fell in love and were married in 1956 having six children from 1957-1966. Dad was an intelligent, warm, loving, caring and compassionate man and these qualities just grew stronger with age. He was a worrier; he was always concerned about his family members, always wanting the best for them. He never forgot a birthday or anniversary and you could count on it that he would be the first one to call or text you (when he could still see). Dad was very good in the kitchen (ahead of his time), due in part to necessity as Mom also worked as a nurse. He made the best spaghetti and meatballs ever! He was interested in everything going on in the world. He loved watching National Geographic, the news (every news channel he could find), reading and eventually listening to the Cape Breton Post as he lost his sight, and listening to over 150 audible books over just a few short years. He loved books about politics, murder mysteries, autobiographies and historical fiction (grounded in reality), especially books by Ken Follett. Dad’s hope for his final months was to live as long as he was supposed to and to remain as comfortable as possible and he did that, and it was our privilege to support his wishes. Dad always had a smile on his face; he remained young at heart until his last day, and he lived as well as possible until the end. Jim is survived by his three daughters: Michelle Power (Wensley), Cyndee MacPhee (Jim), Joanne Dunford (Gary), and three sons: Jimmy (Angela), Aubrey (Tracey) and Bradley. He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren: Caleb (Paige); Joshua (Erin), Justine (Matt), Tiana (Dave), Keely Shae (AJ); Zachary, Katie, Morgan (Christine); Jay, Jamie, Jessica (Sarah), Jimmy (Presley),Jordan (Alyssa) and six great grandchildren: Isabelle, Beau & Bria; Jacob; Charlotte & Amelia. He is also survived by his sister Ann (Gerry) MacNeil, and brothers, Joe (Carol) and Terry, all with whom he had a very close and loving relationship with. Besides his parents Thomas & Rita Gracie (nee Buckley), and wife Marion Gracie, Dad was predeceased by his brother, John Bill and sister, Emelda Burns. We owe deep gratitude to the Palliative Community Care team (Doctors and Nurses) for their unwavering support and visits to our father. All members were truly awesome! However, a special thanks needs to be given to his nurse Brett Gillis who was always so patient, kind, interactive and respectful. He was also promptly responsive to address our many calls and needs, truly a genuine young man. Daddy just loved him, as did we. We also owe gratitude to the VON nurses who visited and called us providing everything that was needed. All were just lovely, and we so appreciated having your support. Thank you so much. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at T.J. Tracey’s Funeral home, 6 Churchill Drive, in Sydney Nova Scotia at 4 pm on January 3rd, 2025 with Rev. Sheldon Chant officiating. Visitation with the family will take place from 2-4 pm. For those unable to attend, livestreaming will be available and can be viewed by visiting the T.J. Tracey Facebook page. Online condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com God’s Garden God looked around his garden And found an empty place, He then looked down upon the earth, And saw your tired face. He put his arms around you And lifted you to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful, He always takes the best. He knew that you were suffering He knew you were in pain, He knew that you would never Get well on earth again. He saw the road was getting rough And the hills were hard to climb. So he closed your weary eyelids And whispered ‘Peace bethine’. It broke our hearts to lose you But you didn’t go alone, For part of us went with you The day God called you home.