O’SHEA, JAMES MICHAEL - The death of Mr. James Michael O’Shea husband of Doreen (Bohan) O’Shea of Miramichi, NB, occurred on Monday, June 30, 2014 at the Miramichi Regional Hospital at the age of 88. Born in Boom Road, NB, he was the son of the late Burton and Delia (Young) O’Shea. James was a member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church and was retired from NB Tel after 46 years of service. He was involved with the organization of the first St. John Ambulance brigade in Miramichi and volunteered with local # 339 for 31 years. His appointments over these years included instructor, divisional superintendent and area staff officer. During this time, he was awarded the service medal of the Order and Three Bars and after admission to the order in 1964 was promoted to officer Brother in 1973 and to commander in 1980. He also was awarded the Outstanding Citizenship award for the former Town of Newcastle, loved to attend local music festivals and other community events. James loved nature, the outdoors and his cottage as well as spending time with his family and friends.
Besides his wife: Doreen, James is survived by: two daughters: Carmel of Halifax, NS; Catherine (Rick Fleetwood) of Fredericton, NB; three sons: Edward of Mission, BC; Kenneth of Saint John, NB; David of Cassilis, NB; twin sister: Helen Brooks (Vernon) of Moncton, NB; two brothers: Norman (Mary) of Miramichi, NB; Mike (Betty) of Boom Road, NB; two grandchildren: Abigail Fleetwood and James David O’Shea and several nieces and nephews. James is predeceased by: his 1st wife: Wanda Bushey; infant son: Daniel and three brothers: William, Frederick and Gerald.
The family received visitors at Bell’s Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2 to 4 & 7 to 9 PM. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated from St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church on Thursday, July 3, 2014 at 11 AM with Father Vincent Donovan officiating. Active Pallbearers were: Nephews: Mark, John, Danny, Donnie and Vince O’Shea and Danny Brooks. Honorary Pallbearers were: Ken Lange, Brent Haining, Neil McEachern, Frankie Young, Roger Turcotte, Edward Sherrard, Terry Waye, Ralph Shanahan, Darin Cando, Ray Casey, Kerry Casey, John McKay, Charlie Hubbard, George Matheson, Murray Dunnett and Gene Walker. Readers were: John O’Shea (nephew) and Frances Connell (family friend). Eulogy by: Farrell McCarthy (family friend). Organist: Mary Butler accompanied the St. Mary’s Senior Choir. “Ava Maria” by: soloist: Susan Butler and “Danny Boy” by: fiddler: Jim Morrison accompanied by: organist: Mary Butler. Burial followed in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church Cemetery.
In James’ memory, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Restoration Fund, the NB Heart and Stroke Foundation or to a memory of one’s choice. Funeral arrangements were under the care of Bell’s Funeral Home, 651 King George Highway, Miramichi, NB. Telephone: 506-622-3600.