PIERS, JAMES “JIM” H. - Former Moncton Fire Chief, James “Jim” H. Piers, 86, with his loving wife at his side, passed away peacefully at The Veterans Health Centre on Saturday, October 15, 2011. Born in Moncton, he was the son of the late Major Howard and Helen (Armstrong) Piers. Jim served during World War II on the HMCS Minesweeper Vegreville and was present on D Day. Jim joined the Moncton Fire Department in 1949 and worked himself up through the ranks until appointed Fire Chief in 1971. He retired after 34 years of service in 1982. During a long retirement, Jim spent many days lobster fishing with his friend Buster while enjoying his summers at the cottage at Parlee Beach. He loved outdoor sports and was an avid curler, representing his province in several national competitions. Jim was a life member of the Moncton Curlers Association, a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Moncton Branch #6 and attended St. John’s United Church. Jim will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 63 years, Peggy Piers; his daughter Pamela Piers (Graeme Duffus) of Halifax, NS; nephews, Robert Palmer (Brenda) of Madison, Wisconsin, Douglas Atkinson (Dawn) of Moncton and Judy Estabrooks (Bev) of Riverview and his special friends, Sarah, Sally and Ryan. In addition to his parents, predeceased by his daughter, Penny Lynn (1975); brother, Lynds killed in action (Italy WWII); sisters, Frances Atkinson and Constance Palmer of Moncton.
Visitation at Ferguson Knowles Funeral Home, 1657 Mountain Road Moncton (858-1995) on Tuesday from 6:30 to 9:00pm. Moncton Legion Branch #6 Memorial Service Tuesday at 6:00pm. Funeral Service at Ferguson Knowles Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 1:30pm with Rev. Aaron Billard officiating. Reception in the Funeral Home Reception Centre following the service. Interment, Fair Haven Memorial Gardens. In Jim’s memory, donations to Friends of The Moncton Hospital Foundation or the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences at
www.fergusonknowlesfh.com