September 8, 1926 - August 4, 2013
James Francis Molloy was born in Grand Falls, Newfoundland and, apart from serving in the Royal Canadian Army during the Second World War and attending University in Nova Scotia, lived in Grand Falls his whole life. He died at home on August 4, just weeks away from his 87th birthday, after a valiant but relatively brief battle with cancer. In 1944, as soon as he was of age (truth be told, a little earlier than that!), he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Army and served until the end of the war. As a returning war veteran, he completed his Bachelor of Science degree at St. F.X. and then his qualifications for chemical engineering at Nova Scotia Tech in Halifax. Upon returning to Grand Falls he started his career as a chemical engineer with the A.N.D. Co. mill, serving for much of that time as the superintendent of the sulphite department. Over his four decades at the mill, he oversaw the implementation of many technological changes and innovations. Upon returning from active service during the war, Jim Molloy enrolled in the militia, specifically in B Company, Royal Newfoundland Regiment. He was an officer of the R NFLD R for decades, reaching the rank of Lt. Colonel. He was Commanding Officer for years, and in 2000 was appointed Honorary Colonel of the Regiment, in recognition of a lifetime of service. During those years, and under his watch, the Regiment was a vital force in the Grand Falls community doing much humanitarian and emergency relief work. Jim’s other major volunteer activity was as a member of the Royal Canadian Legion. He served in an executive capacity at Branch 12 for decades, including as President. He also represented Grand Falls at a provincial level, serving as President and Chairman of Newfoundland Command of the Legion as well Dominion Representative for Newfoundland on the Legion Dominion Executive Council in 1976 and 1977. He was the recipient of numerous awards for his volunteer work with veterans, including the Ministry of Veteran’s Affairs Commendation in 2008, MSM and Palm Leaf, Veteran of the Year and Legionnaire of the Year. In addition to his WWII Service Medals, he was awarded the CD with clasp, Centennial Medal, 125th Medal, and the Queen’s Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals. Jim Molloy was an amateur war historian, particularly with respect to the history of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment and its role in the major armed conflicts of the 20th century. Until very recently he wrote a regular newspaper column on important dates in military history, published weekly in the Grand Falls Advertiser. Under his guidance, and largely due to his passion, the Grand Falls Legion houses a collection of artifacts and war memorabilia to rival any museum. He was often on tap to provide guided tours to students and visitors. He was one of the first to advocate for the commemoration of veterans of the armed forces, was instrumental in establishing a Historical and Museum Committee at the Legion, and was its Chair since 1967. He worked tirelessly, and in many ways, both large and small, to advocate on behalf of war veterans: e.g. helping them obtain or restore medals, ribbons and other recognitions; assisting in obtaining pensions and other financial compensation; organizing firing parties, pall bearers, color parties and funeral services for those who passed away; organizing and participating in memorial services at the Cenotaph twice a year including still serving as Parade Marshall well into his 80s; and frequently speaking to school children to educate them on remembrance. In addition, he served his community in many other ways over the years. He was a Town Counselor from 1973 to 1977. He was a saxophone player and loved music, particularly military band music. Due to his other commitments, he played only occasionally in the early years, although often joining his brother Bob and other musicians in a dance band at various events. In later years, he returned to performance and played sax in the Grand Fall Town Band for many years. He was especially proud one year of being the oldest participant in the Kiwanis Music Festival, and that was about a decade ago! Jim was married in 1952 to Geraldine Colbourne. They had seven children: (Anne, John, Michael, Maureen, Patricia, Peggy, and Kathy). With his second wife, Pat (Pike), he had three step-children: (Rodney, Cassandra and Bobbi-Lou). They were married for 31 years and, in keeping with his dying wishes, Pat cared for him at home right up to his death. He also has a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren too numerous to mention. He has two siblings: Robert (Bob) Molloy (a Grand Falls resident) and Sister Margaret Molloy (of Halifax). Jim Molloy had a passion for life. He was a loyal Newfoundlander and he loved Grand Falls. He was possessed of a great intellect, an inquiring mind, and a quick wit. Eloquent in both the written and spoken word, he was a gifted writer and great raconteur. He loved music, the Toronto Blue Jays, and dogs of all shapes and sizes. His home was always filled with dogs and cats, but his most recent dog, a rambunctious chocolate Lab named Coco, particularly captured his heart. Until just weeks before his death Jim could be seen driving around town every day with Coco ensconced in the front passenger seat, brass band music blaring from the radio, both of them having a grand time. Jim Molloy will be greatly missed by his wife Pat, his brother and sister, his children and grandchildren, his many close friends in Grand Falls and beyond, and also by his dog, Coco. A memorial service will be held at the Beaumont Hamel Armories on Saturday, August 10 at 3:00 p.m., with a reception to follow at the Royal Canadian Legion. Everyone is welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of James F. Molloy can be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Fund (Grand Falls-Windsor Branch), or to a charity of your choice.