James Vincent "Jim" Armstrong – 80,
Truro. With broken hearts, we are sad to announce the passing of James
Vincent "Jim" Armstrong, on Tuesday afternoon, December 6,
2022 at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro.
Born to Vincent Armstrong and Margaret (McNeil) and baptized
at St. Michael’s Anglican Church in Windsor Forks, Jim grew
up in an extended family of grandparents, aunts and
uncles. Working alongside his treasured parents and siblings,
he got an early schooling in the value of hard work in the family
General Store.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Barbara
(Cameron); daughters, Rose Armstrong (Adam), Andrea Higgins (Scott);
beloved grandchildren, Joseph and Yamaya. He is also survived by his
four siblings, Catherine Armstrong (Ralph), Shirley Sanford (Dowell),
Sheila Armstrong (Wayne), William Armstrong (Carolyn), and many
special nieces and nephews.
Jim attended Nova Scotia Land Survey Institute in
Lawrencetown where he studied cartographic drafting. He later studied
surveying and mapping at Holland College in Charlottetown, Prince
Edward Island where he met his lovely wife. He enjoyed an interesting
career as a parks planner with Nova Scotia Department of Natural
Resources. Using carefully shot photos from land, lake or helicopter,
after collaborating with colleagues, he planned gorgeous lookouts,
trails and campgrounds that continue to serve as the backdrop for
outdoor memories for many generations. A consummate
"interviewer", one of his favourite parts of the job was
meeting farmers, land owners, historians, and community development
activists to find out about their connection to the
land.
After his retirement, Jim returned to his childhood
beginnings in retail to be a merchandiser and "jack of all
trades" at MacQuarrie’s Pharmasave in Truro. He was
known for his kind heart, quick thinking, and dedication and loyalty
to customers, co-workers and the entire MacQuarrie family.
In addition to his hard work, he was recognized for his sense of
humour, as well as his happy whistling of songs, which spread smiles
to those around him.
Jim was a very active community member in the Town of Truro.
He volunteered for organizations such as Knights of Columbus, St.
Vincent de Paul Society, Emergency Measures Organization and Ground
Search and Rescue. He also canvassed donors for
organizations such as Heart and Stroke Foundation and Multiple
Sclerosis Society, among others.
Jim was quite curious about people and the world and loved
trying new things. His mother taught him to play "The Bear Went
Over the Mountain" on harmonica at a young age. Even without any
formal musical training, as an adult he learned to play the accordion
and fiddle. Later in life he jammed in a band called "The Prince
Street Boys" which played concerts for the public. His family
always enjoyed listening to his musical stylings, from a wide
repertoire which included folk music, old country songs and 1950s
jingles. If the radio was on, he just might spontaneously pivot that
right foot of his into a joyous and earnest "Dad Dance", to
the delight of his daughters.
Jim also had many other talents such as landscape painting,
writing, carpentry, cooking, baking, and gardening, all at which he
excelled. He called himself a "walkaholic," as he enjoyed
being in nature for his health and wellbeing. He loved to tell funny
stories from his childhood, and we are grateful that before his
illness advanced, he was able to finalize his memoirs entitled
"My Memories of Windsor Forks." We wish to pay tribute to a
loyal son, nephew, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and
friend to anyone he met. His spirit "remains unvanquished,"
in accordance with the Armstrong Clan motto.
We would like to give special thanks to the nurses, support
staff and Dr. Makkar at Vimy Court Long Term Care Facility, and to the
medical professionals in Palliative Care Unit at Colchester East Hants
Centre for their attentive care to Jim, as well as their guidance to
our family on end of life care.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall - Varner
Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where Jim’s family
will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, December 14, 2022, and
funeral service 2 p.m., Thursday, December 15, 2022, The Reverend Lori
Ramsey officiating. Interment in Watson Cemetery, 1997 East Prince
Street, Salmon River. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s
memory to Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia or St. Vincent de Paul
Society are welcomed. Private messages of condolence may be sent to
the family by viewing Jim’s obituary on-line and selecting
"Send A Condolence" at:
www.mattatallvarnerfh.com