KEITH, John James “Jim” - 74 of Berwick, NS passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 surrounded by his family at the Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville, NS. Jim was born in Montreal to Jack and Kay (Dobie) Keith on May 30, 1936. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister Mary. Jim Keith is survived by his loving wife of 49 years Elizabeth “Betty” (Kelleghan) and their five children - Mary Keith, Rothesay, NB; sons John (Kara) Keith of Halifax, NS and David (Jean) Keith of Calgary, AB; Julie Keith, Berwick, NS; and Kerry (Troy) Stukenborg, of Big Lake, MN. He loved his seven grandchildren - Makayla, Eilysh, Aidan, Oliver, Seamus, Anne and Sam. Jim is greatly missed by his faithful four-legged companion Maggie. In his professional life, Jim was a respected educator. He pursued a distinguished teaching and school administration career - assuming leadership positions with school districts in Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. His career culminated as Superintendent of Schools for the Kings County Amalgamated School Board in the Annapolis Valley, President of the Nova Scotia Schools Administrators’ Association and President of the Canadian Association of School Administrators. Jim was active in numerous voluntary associations focused mainly on health, education and the welfare of young people. He served on the boards of the Western Kings Memorial Hospital, the Blanchard-Fraser Memorial Hospital, the Valley Health Services Association and the Annapolis Valley Hospital Association for which he served as President. He was also active with the Berwick Police Advisory Committee, the Berwick Food Bank, the Kentville Rotary Club, the Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival, the Western Kings Board of Trade and the Kings County Regional Development Association. Jim served as Chancellor for Mount Allison University from 2001 - 2004. Prior to this, he worked on the University’s Board of Regents for 13 years. He received an honorary doctorate from Mount Allison in May, 2010. Jim devoted endless hours to his community and faith. Saint Anthony’s, the County of Kings and the Town of Berwick could always count on Jim to share his time and talents. During the last several months of his life the outpouring of concern and support from his local community were deeply appreciated by Jim and his family. Of all of Jim’s accomplishments there was nothing more important to him than his family. He was devoted to his wife Betty who was his best friend and the love of his life. Together they filled their home with love and respect and instilled in each of their children the value and importance of giving back to others. Donations may be made to the Annapolis Valley Victorian Order of Nurses, Social Action at Saint Anthony’s Church in Berwick, NS or to the J. James Keith Scholarship Fund at Mount Allison University in Sackville, NB. Instead of visitation, a prayer service with the family was held at St. Anthony’s Church on Sunday, February 27, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. – 122 Mill St. in Berwick, NS. The funeral mass, followed by a reception, was held at St. Anthony’s Church at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 28, 2011. Father Gerald Saulnier officiated. Interment will take place at a later date in Holy Cross Cemetery, Kentville. Family flowers only, by request. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line condolences may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com