Obituary of Dr. James Fahey, Berlin, MA, Reserve Mines, NS

It is with profound sadness that the family of Dr. James Fahey, age 58 announce the passing of our remarkable father, husband, brother, and friend on Saturday February 26, 2022, in Boston, Massachusetts. James was born in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, on December 2, 1963. He was a son of the late James and Emily (Tighe) Fahey. James was raised in Reserve Mines, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. A brilliant mind is most impactful when paired with a compassionate heart! James was blessed with both. He is remembered as kind, intelligent, generous, funny, authentic, selfless, strong, humble, and an overall amazing person. James holds a PhD in Chemistry from Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, where he also earned his Master's Degree in Chemistry. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science from St. Francis Xavier University, Nova Scotia. During his successful career, James held senior leadership positions at HZO, Dow, DuPont, Rohm & Haas, and IBM. He has authored many publications. In a life filled with many impressive accomplishments, James considered his sons, James Liam and Benjamin, to be his greatest! He was immensely proud of his boys. Being a good father, husband and brother meant everything to him. He loved his family beyond measure! James was an exceptional father. He never missed the opportunity to celebrate his sons’ milestones and accomplishments. James’ sons know they had the best Dad in the world! James was the epitome of a loving husband, father, brother, and friend. James fought a valiant battle as an ultimate warrior. He fought so that he could be with his family! He battled with courage, unwavering hope, and a consistent eye on how his experience could lead to helping someone else on their journey. During this journey he taught us about love, faith, resilience, and optimism. James’ deep faith guided him throughout his battle and his life. James used everything he learned and experienced about cancer in the service of others. Over the years he offered support, a connection and a kind heart to many people fighting similar battles. He listened to their stories, shared his immense knowledge, and most importantly gave them hope to continue their journeys. James loved life and understood what a gift it is. If life is measured by the difference, you make while you live, James’ life is best described as extraordinary. He was an exceptional human being who treated everyone with respect, kindness, and compassion. James had a way of making everyone know that they were valued and heard. He had a positive impact on the lives of the people who were blessed to know and love him. James was loved and admired by so many people. James could be bigger than life. His enthusiasm and energy were contagious. There may have been a time or two over the years where decorations or costumes were beyond everyone’s expectations. Robin, James Liam and Benjamin will hold rich memories of their Christmas and Halloween decorations close to their hearts. James was a car enthusiast. He welcomed any opportunity to talk about cars, especially corvettes. James was affectionately called Bim by his family back home. Although his personal and professional lives allowed him to travel and see the world, a piece of his heart was always in Cape Breton. Bim's parents, James and Emily, who adored him, instilled in him strong Cape Breton values that guided him throughout his life. During his trips home, James seized every minute to reconnect with school and university friends and many relatives. He maintained lifelong relationships with these people. If you were fortunate enough to join Bim on any of his visits to connect with friends and family, you experienced firsthand how important these relationships were to him. He relished hearing about everyone’s lives and of course he equally enjoyed reminiscing about fond memories. As a proud Xaverian, you can be sure a quick stop at St. F.X was usually on the agenda as well. Bim loved Cape Breton and had magnificent memories of the people he knew, the foods he loved, and the places he experienced. He often spoke fondly of Ma’s homemade bread, chocolate cake with boiled icing, and Sunday dinners. Over the years, Bim came to love cooking and like most things he put his hand to, he excelled at it. He became quite a chef and enjoyed preparing gourmet meals for his family. Mira held a special place in his heart, and we all have marvelous memories of our shared time on the Mira. Knowing his roots became a lifelong passion for Bim. He spent countless hours tracing our genealogy back to Galway, Ireland. Bim treasured old family photos, often making special photo albums for his mom and others. If you are missing any family photos, chances are they can be found in Boston. It is important to note that Bim always reported that he was simply “borrowing” these photos or that Ma gave them to him. Bim's siblings and friends treasure many beautiful memories growing up with him in Reserve Mines. Memories of special meals, board games, holidays, class trips and endless days playing outside. Bim’s memories suggested that he won most of our games. This may, or may not, be accurate. It was obvious from an early age that Bim was exceptional. He had big dreams and a keen interest in seeing and experiencing everything the world had to offer. Bim had an entrepreneurial spirit and started working at an early age. He worked hard at everything he did. Every job Bim held allowed him to foster friendships that lasted a lifetime. James’ respect and love for life will light our paths as we move forward. He encouraged us to live life to the fullest, to notice the simple and the marvelous things life offered. James urged us to do the things that brought a smile to our faces. James leaves our world a better place. The positive impact and influence he has had on each of us will live on through our memories of him and the difference he has made in our lives. Survived by and left to mourn this devastating loss are his devoted wife of 26 years Robin, sons James Liam and Benjamin, beloved four-legged friend Aspen, Boston; siblings, Fonce (Wanda), Glace Bay, Cathy (Tim), Bedford, Emily (Glenn), Truro, Michelle (Mike), Dartmouth, Charlie (Patricia), Lake Echo, Kevin (Tammy), Sackville; parents-in-law, Grace and Pete Peterson, New York; siblings-in-law, Kevin (Elizabeth), New York, Bonnie, New York, Scott (Dawn), New York; nieces and nephews, Montina, Jamie, Sarah, Thomas, Alyssa, Taylor, Thomas, Kassidy, Brandon, Katherine, Dylan, Cole, Audrey, Allison, Katherine, Charlotte, Alex; grandnieces and nephews; cousins; friends. James was predeceased by his parents, James and Emily (Tighe) Fahey and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. Bim, we are proud of your accomplishments, how you lived your life with humility, grace, and gratitude and how you never forgot your roots! We have loved you our whole lives and we will love you forever. You were a true gentleman. We are honored to call you our father, our husband, our brother, and our friend. Bim has come home to Cape Breton to rest. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in James’ honor to St. Joseph’s Parish/ Cemetery Fund, Reserve Mines or an SPCA of your choice. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 14th, 2022 from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 16 Reserve Street, Glace Bay followed by the funeral mass at 2 pm in St. Joseph's Church, Reserve Mines. Fr. Dan Boudreau presiding. Interment in the parish cemetery. On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca Covid restrictions in place at the funeral home and church.