James Gary "Jim" Martin - 76, Valley,
passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at Colchester East Hants Health
Centre, Truro, after a brief battle with cancer.
Jim will be remembered for his love of family and friends,
his commitment to the community and for his passion for the out of
doors. Jim hailed from Moncton with roots in the Kouchibouguac area of
New Brunswick. He spent much of his engineering career living in
Sydney and working with Cape Breton Development
Corporation.
After retiring, he and Elsie relocated to Valley where he
enrolled with Nova Scotia Agricultural College to study agriculture.
This was the beginning of Jim’s passion for gardening. Hours
were spent planning, planting and tending his infamous garden with the
season culminating in the harvest of his prized giant garlic. During
the winter months, Jim was an avid skier, teaching at Wentworth
Mountain ski school for many years. As a member of St.
David’s United Church in Bible Hill, he could be found
answering all calls for assistance. Jim’s red
"service" truck was a fixture around St. David’s
and in the greater community. Jim shared his time with communities he
was involved with, he shared his garden produce with those who valued
it and he shared his love with family and friends across the Maritimes
and around the world.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Edith Martin.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Elsie (MacDiarmid) Martin;
their children, Jennifer Martin Konzuk (Doug Konzuk), Kuwait City;
Andrea Martin (Rob Cooney), Ottawa; grandchildren, Cameron, Katrina,
Finn, Delilah; sister, Jeanette Hannay.
A service to remember and celebrate Jim’s life will
be held when the weather turns warm and the gardens are in full swing.
Memorial donations can be made to a local community charity of your
choice that supports the less fortunate. You could also remember Jim
by sharing a story about his life with friends or
volunteering some time in your community.
Celebration of Jim's life will be held 2 p.m.,
Monday, July 31, 2023, at St. David's United Church Hall, corner of
St. David's Avenue and Pictou Road, Bible Hill, Reverend April Hart
officiating.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall –
Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Private messages of
condolences may be sent to the family by viewing Jim’s
obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at:
www.mattatallvarnerfh.com