On the early morning of April 25, 2024, James Robert "Jim" Foley, passed away with family by his side at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Jim was a proud resident of Truro for over 70 years, only leaving briefly to attend Saint Mary’s University and achieve his Bachelor of Commerce degree. He grew up on North Street, with his parents, Frank and Evelyn; sister, Marlene (Ted Turner) and his brother and best friend, Ace.
He will be greatly missed by his wife of 53 years, Sue (Douglas); daughters, Keri Foley and Jenna Brown; son-in-law and personal handyman/mechanic, Ryan Brown; his only granddaughter, Miranda, whom he thought the world of and who always brought a smile to his face. He will also be remembered fondly by his in-laws (or out laws) – the Douglas, Robertson, Cudmore and Warwick families.
Jim’s kindness and gentle nature made him a perfect fit for his role of Case Worker with the Department of Community Services, which he held for 21 years. He loved his job and his colleagues, who quickly became lifelong friends. Prior to this role, he worked for 17 years at Burton Denture Clinic on Prince Street as a Denturist.
An avid hockey fan (and player) for his whole life, he coached Minor hockey for Truro for a number of years which included many fun trips around the Martimes. Later, he took on the role of General Manager of Truro Senior Bearcats, which concluded with the team winning the 1998 Allan Cup at Colchester Legion Stadium – a night he said was one of the best of his life. He was later inducted into Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame in 2014.
Along with hockey, he was also a die-hard baseball fan and traveled with Ace multiple times to see his NY Yankees play (in both the old and new stadiums). He was always excited to talk about baseball and followed the standings faithfully.
His retirement years were mostly spent in Barney’s River at Oceanfront Trailer Park, where he enjoyed afternoons on the beach - soaking up the sun, swimming in the ocean and laughing with his beach gang. Evenings were spent on the deck, barbequing and welcoming anyone and everyone who walked by to join him for a chat and a drink.
Although he was blessed to travel to many national and international destinations, and be a part of numerous sporting events, it was the simple things in life that he enjoyed the most. Grabbing a Tim’s and going for a drive with the windows down and the radio up, watching the ball game on TV, gardening on his "estate", and enjoying the company of his many friends and family. He never took a single moment of his life for granted and just like his father, always found joy in each day.
Donations in memory of Jim can be made to the VON (Colchester-East Hants), who provided exceptional care and compassion. He loved the daily visits from each of you.
We will be celebrating what would have been his 75th birthday from 5-8 p.m., Thursday, May 2, 2024, at Mattatall - Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, so please join us to commemorate Jim’s life. Tributes, words of comfort and memories may be shared at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
Jimmy, you may not be here anymore, but you aren’t here any less.
Cheers to you, on a life well lived!