HOPEWELL – James Lawrence “Jim” Hirtle, 76, of Hopewell, NS, passed away January 31, 2008, in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow. Born in West Clifford, NS, he was a son of the late Lawrence H. and Hazel (Halliday) Hirtle. Jim was a resident of Millbrook before moving to Hopewell in 1953. He was a member and elder of St. Columba United Church, Hopewell. Jim was a very active member of the Eureka Volunteer Fire Department for over 25 years. He was a former employee of D. Porter and Sons for some 40 years. He is survived by his wife, Etta; daughter, Deborah (Russ) Dicks, Musquodoboit Harbour; sons, Jim (Mary), Bras d’Or; Steven, Edmonton, AB; Alan (Stacey) Musquodoboit Harbour; eight grandchildren; sister, Vivian E. Salsman, Stellarton. He was predeceased by his first wife, Reta Baillie; brothers: Roy, Jack and Howard. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday in the H.C. MacQuarrie Funeral Home, Stellarton. Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday from St. Columba United Church, Hopewell, with Rev. Heather Landry officiating. Burial will be in Heatherdale Memorial Gardens. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to St. Columba United Church, Hopewell, the Aberdeen Palliative Care Society or a charity of your choice.