Obituary Overview
Rev.James Alexander Fraser
The family of the Rev. James A. Fraser of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia is saddened to announce his passing on February 4, 2018 at age 90, in the Dartmouth General Hospital. He was the elder son of the late Rev. Archibald and Jessie (Urquhart) Fraser, and grew up in North River Bridge, Victoria County, NS. He graduated from Dartmouth High School in 1945, and received his Bachelor of Science (’50) and Bachelor of Arts (’54) degrees from Mt. Allison University. In 1957 he received the Bachelor of Divinity degree from Pine Hill Divinity Hall and was ordained into the ministry of The United Church of Canada. In 1971 he earned the degree of Master of Sacred Theology in Psychology and Pastoral Counselling from Andover-Newton Theological School in Newton, Massachusetts.
During summer breaks from university studies, Jim worked for the Nova Scotia Dept. of Highways in road construction surveying on the Cabot Trail. From 1951 to 1954 he was employed in the Engineering Dept. of Dominion Iron & Steel in Sydney, NS, when he went on to study for the Ministry. Jim and his brother Lloyd were always mechanically minded, and they shared a passion for automobiles and for repairing them. Jim was equally adept at carpentry and fine woodworking, having built various clocks, including two full-size Grandfather clocks.
Jim served pastorates in Bideford, PEI; Onslow, NS; Glace Bay, NS; Tatamagouche, NS; North Andover, Mass.; Saint John, NB; Vernon Bridge, PEI; and Trinity-St. Stephen’s United Church in Amherst, NS, from where he retired in 1993. In retirement he served one year as supply minister at Woodlawn United Church in Dartmouth, and shorter terms in LaHave, NS. Serving the wider church, Jim was Chair of Saint John Presbytery, Secretary of PEI Presbytery, Secretary of Conference Staff Committee, and Chair of Conference Mission Support Committee. As well, he was a member of the PEI Community Care Facilities Board, and President of the PEI and NS Bible Societies. Jim and Shirley were avid members of the Stardusters and Coordinators Square Dancers, and members of the Woodlawn United Church Choir. They particularly loved their cottage time during summers at Lorneville, Cumberland County, and the fellowship of the Lorneville United Church, of singing in its choir, and of the local community.
Surviving are Jim’s wife Shirley (Atkinson, Wilson); sons David (Brenda), Dartmouth and Ian (MaryJane), Halifax, and daughter Shirley (Robert), Toronto; step-daughter Janice (Michael Hambley), Dartmouth; grandchildren Adam, Devin, Lukas, Julia, Shawn (Julie), Jack, Chris, and Will. Also surviving are sister-in-law Irene of Montague, PEI and nieces Faye, Dawn, and Marlene. Jim was predeceased by his parents the Rev. A. C. and Jessie Fraser, his first wife Mildred (MacDonald) and his brother Lloyd.
The family would like to thank the staff on 4 East at Dartmouth General Hospital for the compassionate care they showed Jim and his family during the last few months.
Visitation will be at the Atlantic Funeral Home on Feb. 7, 2018 from 2 – 4 pm and 7 – 9 pm. Funeral service will be at Woodlawn United Church on Feb. 8, 2018 at 2:00 pm with internment in Woodlawn Cemetery. Reception following. Memorial donations may be made to the Woodlawn United Church Accessibility Fund, the Mission & Service Fund, or the Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia. Family flowers only, please.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Rev James Alexander Fraser 2018.source
Décès pour la Ville: Dartmouth, Province: Nova Scotia
