Obituary of James Leonard 'Jimmy Jake' MacNeil

It is with the deepest and utmost sympathy we, the family, announce the sudden passing of our beloved father, husband, brother, Papa and friend to so many, James Leonard ‘Jimmy Jake’ MacNeil on December 29, 2016 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital surrounded by his loving family at the age of 67. Jimmy was born on July 5, 1949, the 2nd child of the late George ‘Pink’ MacNeil & Annie (Tighe). Jimmy was the beloved husband to the late Trisha (MacLellan) MacNeil. Left to mourn are his sons, Kyle (Margaret-Anne) MacNeil, Whitby, Ont. ,Yorke MacNeil (Caitlin Hay), St. Albert, AB; daughter, Heidi MacNeil (Darrell MacLeod), New Waterford; grandchildren, Molly Muise, and her father, Jimmy Muise, Shae & Teagan MacNeil; sister, Bonnie (Don) Pretty; niece, Irene Monpetit; nephews, Donald Schaump and Patrick Schaump; grandnephews, Mathew & Adam Monpetit and his uncle, Wallace Tighe. Dad leaves behind many buddies near and far especially his best friend and brother, Wally (Cathy) Tighe and his second family from Gillis Lake whom he loved dearly. Jimmy was predeceased by his beloved wife, Trisha (MacLellan) MacNeil; son, James Jeffrey MacNeil; parents, George ‘Pink’ MacNeil and Annie (Tighe); brother, Maurice (Tyke) MacNeil; nephew, Ivan Pretty and many uncles and aunts. Throughout Dads life, he travelled across the country as a proud member of local 682 as a pipe steamfitter. Along his many travels, he made numerous friends he called brothers and family. Dad dedicated his life to his family whom he always said he loved to the bone. Dad will be remembered for his big heart and compassion for others. Dad never missed a funeral to pass on condolences or phone call to a friend in need. As tough as Dad was, he had the biggest heart and was a gentleman in every sense of the word. Dad dedicated his life to his family whom he always said "I love ya to the bone" - Dad loved deeply and without end. Dad was gifted with so many talents, especially his voice, which we always heard throughout our home as children. He was always singing and playing the guitar. Dad won many competitions throughout his life for his beautiful voice. He travelled to Nashville and was on Stevie’s Jamboree. Dad sang at many kitchen tables for his family whom he attributed his talents as gifts passed down to him from his family. We know now that dad is at peace and happy to be reunited with his beloved Trisha and all his people. There will be no visitation by Jimmy’s request. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A funeral mass will be held to celebrate Jimmy’s life on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Father Ray Huntley officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, New Victoria, with a luncheon to follow at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Plummer Avenue, New Waterford. Donations in Jimmy’s memory may be made to the Alzheimers Society of Nova Scotia, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, New Waterford or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.