Fr. Jim MacLean
Born In: Bay St. Lawrence
Born: February 19th, 1918
Passed in: Glace Bay
Passed on: January 31st, 2015
Reverend Father (Monsignor/Commodore General) James Anthony MacLean
Father James MacLean passed away on Jan. 31, 2015 at Glace Bay Hospital.
He was born on Feb. 19, 1918 in Bay St. Lawrence, the son of the late Captain James and Alice (Capstick) MacLean.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters, Mary Frances (Peter) Cooke, Alice (Alex) Cooke, Ingonish, Sr. James Marie, CSM, Evelyn Rita, Mary Evelyn (Og) Walsh, his brothers, Neil, Tom and Rev. Father Murdock (St.F.X.).
Left to mourn are his brother-in-law, Sydney ‘Og’ Walsh, Sydney and many nieces and nephews.
Father Jim received his early and high school education in Bay St. Lawrence before graduating from St. F.X. in 1938. He then began his theological studies at Holy Heart Seminary, Halifax, where he was ordained to priesthood in 1943. From 1943–1951, Fr. Jim ministered in parishes throughout the Diocese including St. Theresa’s, Sydney, St. Peter’s in Cheticamp, St. George’s Church in Georgeville and Holy Cross Church in Pomquet. He enlisted in the Navy in 1951, served in the Korean War and retired from the Services in 1975 with the title of Commodore General. Part of his duties included being lowered to ships from helicopters as he continued with God’s work. He served on many ships including the Magnificent, where he sailed to many ports all over the world. He was also proud to be an honorary member of the Cape Breton Retired Naval Veterans.
Fr. Jim became a Monsignor (Pope Paul VI) in April, 1970. From 1975, Fr. Jim’s pastoral appointments in the Diocese of Antigonish included St. Margaret’s Parish, Grand Mira and St. Mary’s Polish Church, Whitney Pier. After retiring in 1989, he assisted at St. Peter’s Church, Ingonish and St. Anne’s, Glace Bay. He also provided Christian services wherever he was needed and also celebrated mass at the Cove Guest Home in Sydney.
Fr. Jim spent many days in his beloved family home playing crib, fishing with his brother, Tom and cooking up a good scoff for many friends and family. Fr. Jim enjoyed a good game of golf and was a former member of Lingan Golf and Country Club and, in later years, joined Alderdale with his friend, Fr. John MacDougall. He lived at Xavier Apartments for a number of years, where he appreciated the great care he received from all the cooks and cleaners and the friendships he made with all the other priests. For the last five months, he resided at Taigh Na Mara and again was very appreciative of the kindness shown to him by the staff and volunteers. He enjoyed the visits of Fr. Sandy MacNeil and Fr. Lloyd Dwyer and all others who dropped in to see him at the nursing home.
Fr. Jim’s caring and humble attitude, his kindness and compassion for everyone and his gentle manner will be a source of fond memories for all of us. His friendship was a gift treasured by all. He died with the titles of Commodore General, Chaplain of the Forces and Monsignor but was very happy to be called “Father Jim”.
Visitation for the late Fr. MacLean will be held at T.W.Curry Parkview Chapel on Wednesday, Feb. 4 from 2-5 p.m. The remains will then be transferred to St. Theresa’s Church for a Vigil Service at 7:30 pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, Feb 5 at 11 a.m. with the Most Reverend Bishop Brian Dunn officiating assisted by priests in the Diocese. The remains will be transferred at a later date to St. Margaret’s Church in Bay St. Lawrence for a Christian burial.
In memory of Father Jim, one can provide an act of kindness to a friend, relative, neighbor, stranger or someone in need.
Online condolences can be expressed by visiting www.twcurry.com.
