Jim Tetford
Born In: Harbour Grace, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Passed in: Canada
God paid another visit to our family on Thursday evening past. He fastened a beautiful pair of wings to Jim’s body and took him to Heaven. Knowing Jim - he double checked the knots.
Jim was born in Harbour Grace, Nfld. in 1946. He was the first born of proud parents Annabelle (Taylor) and Frank Tetford and big brother to “his girls” Frances (Fran) and Barb. He spent his first 30 years in Newfoundland where he fished the high seas on his uncle Gord’s dragger and worked at the Fish Plant with his father. Jim learned the skills of the fishing trade at the hands of masters; he could tie a double fisherman’s knot that would stump Harry Houdini.
Jim met the love of his life, Janet Howell, in Newfoundland and they soon crossed the water to make their home on Prince Edward Island. His strong work ethic and honesty meant he was never on the pogie. Jim found work at Island Auto Supply where he became the right hand man and good friend to the owner, Harvey Livingstone. He was loyal to the core and stayed with Harvey for more than 30 years.
Just before he retired at age 65, Jim and Janet had one of those talks. You know the type. Work is done. No kids. We’re not spring chickens. What now? Jim missed his girls. Decision made. They sold the family home, rented a U-Haul and crossed the water once again. This time to Cape Breton Island, the place his sisters called home. (You should have seen what they packed into that U-Haul). Really!
Jim and Janet settled at Emerald Court in New Waterford, a strategic location almost centered between Fran and Barb’s houses. They would call it home for the next three years. They fit right in. Jim was an easy friend – you met him, he smiled and friendship just happened. It was part of his character. He was a quiet man with simple tastes. He loved to putter around outside and chat with the neighbours. Boy, could he crack a joke. He cooked up the best “Newfoundland Sunday Dinner” you ever tasted and was the King of the barbecue. Jim loved to take Janet for drives all over the Island. He especially enjoyed sitting at Fort Petrie watching the Newfoundland Ferry heading back home. But most of all, he treasured the time he spent with his girls – Janet, Fran, Barb and his furry four legged nieces, Shelby, Abby and Miss Rosey. God, they’ll miss him.
Left to cherish the memories are his precious girls, Janet, Fran Campbell, Barb Drake (Steve), Miss Rosey and Abby; sisters-in-law, Isabelle (Howard) Worthman, June (Rayfield) Dalley, Claudette Howell, and Maxine Clarke of Newfoundland; brother-in-law, Ken (Kathy) Howell of Halifax and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim is in heaven with his parents Frank and Annie; his mother and father-in-law, Janet and Harry Howell; his brother-in-law, Kevin Campbell and his sisters-in-law, Cybil Howell and Harriet Short. No doubt Shelby is by his side wagging her tail with pure joy.
Fly high Jim. We will miss you forever.
Visitation will be Sunday, March 23 from 3–6 p.m. at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford. Jim will rest at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25 at the Calvin United Church, Hudson Street, New Waterford, where a celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. with Rev. Duncan Roach officiating. Afterward, all are welcome to join Jim’s family and friends in the Family Room at the Church for hugs, tears, smiles and a few stories about God’s newest angel.
Jim will be interred with his parents in Newfoundland at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation
Online condolences may be expressed at www.vjmcgillivray.ca.
