It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James “Jim” MacKinnon on March 23, 2026, after a brief illness.

He was one of twelve children of the late Douglas and Clara (MacLeod) MacKinnon.

He is survived by his daughter, Kathleen (John M) MacKinnon of Grand Mira North, and sons, Paul (Tamara) MacKinnon of Dominion, and Rob (Heather) MacKinnon of Presque Isle, Maine; 7 grandchildren, Erika (Aidan) and Rebecca Gillis, Paul Gregory (Madison) and Alyssa (Jacob) MacKinnon, Ian (Riley) and Owen (Jorja) MacKinnon, and Cassie (Scott) MacCallum; and two great-grandchildren, Noah and Addison MacCallum. He is also survived by his brother, Mike (Donna) MacKinnon, and sisters, Patricia (George) Adams and Florence (Bill) Stoliar.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings: Hector (Dorothy), Daniel (Jackie), Alex, Brian (Clara), Greg (Liz), Rev. Douglas MacKinnon, Mary Lou (Mike) Bratko, and Carol (Sandy) MacInnis.

He loved hunting, fishing, and golf as well as a good game of crib. He also enjoyed his volunteer work with Palliative Care. His teaching career spanned 30 years and two high schools in Dominion and Glace Bay from 1967-1997 but he never truly retired from teaching. He was always eager to offer help and support to his grandchildren as they progressed through their schooling or to anyone else who needed a hand or support.

“The best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don’t tell you what to see.”

Cremation has taken place under the care of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 12-1 p.m., and a Funeral Service to follow at 1, p.m., with Fr. Norman MacPhee presiding, all in T.J. Tracey Funeral Home, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay. 902-849-4199. Interment will be held in St. Anthony’s Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Palliative Care and St. Anthony’s Cemetery Fund.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.