James Harold George (Jimmy), 62, of Pictou, passed away suddenly in his home on February 12, 2009.
Born in Pictou, he was a son of the late Harold and Matilda (Robertson) George.
He was a corporal in the 1st Battalion Nova Scotia Highlanders and previously worked at Clairtone Sound. Most recently he retired from TrentonWorks, after 37 years. He also served as President of his office union for TrentonWorks. He was a Superintendent and Sunday School teacher for St. James Anglican Church, and also a former member of the Anglican Brotherhood.
Sports were among Jimmy's many passions and the devotion he displayed toward his teams was incomparable. He was well respected by his teammates and all players and will be remembered by most as "Jimmy Umbro". Jimmy was instrumental in the development of minor soccer in Pictou County. He was a player, coach, referee and volunteer, having played his last game on Tuesday night. He also loved hockey and was a dedicated Red Wings fan. Jimmy was one of the founders of the town hockey league and played for the Hindi Flyers. He also played for the Pictou Old Puckers for over 25 years and scored his final goal on Wednesday night! He was a volunteer sports reporter for the Pictou Advocate for many years. Using his innate sense of humor and ability to include every player, people anticipated seeing their names in his write-ups. Supporting the kids in his community and their love of sports, Jimmy's efforts resulted in the first and second skateboard parks in the county. In 1988 he received the Volunteer Medal from the Province of Nova Scotia.
His passion for music and photography was evident in his loyal support for his son’s band, Beyond Ash. He was their #1 fan, travelling with them across the province and as far as Toronto and New York. It was rare for him to even miss a gig. He was always first on the dance floor, cheering them on and commemorated every show with a camera full of pictures! When the opportunity presented itself, he was onstage alongside his son Ashley, belting out his favourite tunes, including 'My Sharona' and 'Money For Nothing'.
Jimmy was a go-getter, he never stopped. Whether it was his involvement in the community or just helping out his friends and family, he was always doing something. He has numerous accomplishments to his name but his greatest was his family. He was a devoted husband and is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 40 years, Linda (MacIsaac) George. He was a very proud father of his three sons: Trevor (Silvia), Braeshore; Christopher (David), Australia; and Ashley (Doreen), Pictou. He was elated by the birth of his first granddaughter Enja Marli and loved spending time with her. He will also be sadly missed by his sister, Laura Lannon (Courtney), Pictou; brother, Walter “Rabbi”, Scotsburn; several nieces and nephews and his loving faithful companions Isaac, Elvira, and Micia.
He was predeceased by his parents, an infant son Christopher Harold, and mother-in-law, Jane Murray.
Jimmy was a great man and will forever be remembered. "The stars that burn brightest in the sky, burn out sooner than the rest; that intense beauty cannot be sustained forever, their memory immortal."
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 17th, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in the McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou. Funeral service will be held at St. James Anglican Church in Pictou on Wednesday, February 18th at 11 a.m. with Rev. Peter Armstrong officiating, assisted by Susan Hemmings.
Family flowers only. Donations may be made in Jimmy’s memory to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Pictou County SPCA.
Online condolences may be made to mclaren@ns.sympatico.ca