James Vincent "Jim" Armstrong
1942 - 2022
James Vincent "Jim" Armstrong
Visitation Information
Visitation
December 14, 2022
Visitation Time
6-8 PM
Visitation Location
Mattatall - Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro
Service Information
Service Date
Thursday December 15, 2022
Service Time
2:00 PM
Service Location
Mattatall - Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro
Burial Information
Burial Date
December 15, 2022
Burial Location
Watson Cemetery, 1997 East Prince Street, Salmon River
Requested Charity
Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia or St. Vincent de Paul Society
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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

           

James Vincent "Jim" Armstrong