James O. Turnbull, age 85, of Stellarton, passed away peacefully, August 6, 2014 in Valley View Villa, Stellarton.
Jim was born in Stellarton, July 30, 1929. He was a son of the late James and Martha (Foster) Turnbull.
Most of his working life, he worked in the coal mines of Pictou Co. He was a valued member of the United Mine Workers Association. When the mines closed, he became the Curator of the Stellarton Mining Museum where he enjoyed taking the school kids through the museum and explaining the coal mining history of the town to them. Later on, he did dispatch work for the Stellarton Police Dept.
Before entering the Villa about 5 years ago, he enjoyed his trips to the mall everyday to meet up with his “Bench Buddies” for coffee and chats about old times. One of his trips he used to enjoy talking about was when he went with his “special nephew” Joe Baker on a trip to New York and down through the Southern States in an 18 wheeler. He sure was impressed with Joe, but being a clean freak, he didn’t think Joe stopped enough for shower and shaves. We all still get a great chuckle about this.
Jim is survived by his wife Elaine (Dykens); daughter Joyce Battist (Boyd); son Les (Marilyn); son Gary; grandchildren Tracy Battist, Derek Battist (Carla); Mark Turnbull (Yvette); Jamie Turnbull (Marc); and Chad Turnbull (Brooke); daughter-in-law Vicki Turnbull. He was a proud great-grandpa to Ryan, Sarah, Aiden, Ayla, Quinn, and Tristan. He is also survived by brothers, Raymond (Leona), Doug (Doris), Dennis (Donna), and Ronald (Eileen); sisters, Mary (Mel Moore), and Marjorie (Bud Jewell). He will also be missed by his care givers and staff at Valley View Villa who enjoyed his antics “on most days”. He kept them on their toes.
He was predeceased by brothers John, Harold, and sister Elsie Esling (Tuggles).
Cremation has taken place. There will be no visiting or funeral service. A grave side service for family and friends will be held 2 o’clock Monday at Christ Anglican Cemetery, Stellarton with Rev. Aidan Kingsbury officiating. Reception will follow in Christ Church Hall. No flowers please. Donations in his memory may be made to the Valley View Villa Recreation Department. Services are under the direction of Eagles Funeral Home, Westville. www.eaglesfuneralhome.ca
“Rest in Peace Dad!”