James Otis ‘Jim’ St. Clair
1930-2021
Jim St. Clair of MacFarlane Farm, Mull River, Mabou passed
away on May 11 at the age of 90 in Inverness Hospital, with family by
his side and surrounded by love of distant family members. His wisdom,
humor and storytelling enriched the lives of many, from friends and
family to students, colleagues and community members across Cape
Breton. He will be sorely missed.
Born in Lynn Massachusetts 21 November 1930, James Otis St.
Clair was the son of Byron W. and Louise (Marsh) St. Clair. His
mother, Louise was the daughter of Susan MacFarlane of Mull River and
Clarence Otis Marsh of Massachusetts. Both sides of the family were
Scottish in origin; the St. Clairs had come to Massachusetts in the
1750’s, the MacFarlanes to Cape Breton some 70 years later.
Jim was the last descendant of several immigrant families from the
Isle of Mull to reside in Mull River.
A graduate of Harvard College and Graduate School, he taught
and inspired generations of students, from New Canaan, Connecticut to
Mabou Consolidated and University College of Cape Breton – from which
he received an Honorary Doctorate Degree.
His love of history, culture and stories led him to become a
community historian in his later years. For more than three decades,
he provided a weekly radio program on CBC Sydney highlighting
historical events and people of Cape Breton. He wrote newspaper
columns for the Inverness
Oran, the Victoria Standard and the Inverness County
Participaper for many years. He researched and provided the
genealogical history of 50 pioneer families of Mabou area in Mabou Pioneer, Book
Two. He authored and co-authored four books published by
Cape Breton University Press concerning Cape Breton people and
culture, including a children’s book on the immigration
experience in collaboration with the Nova Scotia Highland
Village.
He was active in the community throughout his life, with a
particular focus on preserving and celebrating the rich history of
Cape Breton. He served as chair of the board of the Nova Scotia Museum
Association, was a long-time board member and chair of the Highland
Village, and a founding member of the Mabou Gaelic Historical Society,
Orangedale Station Association, Cape Breton Museum Connection and the
Inverness County Council of the Arts. For a number of years, he was a
board member of the Regional Development Agency of the area and
recording secretary for Mabou Communications Ltd (Post Office). Active
for many years in the United Church of Canada, he was an official
Advisor/Supervisor for several candidates studying for the
ministry.
He was also an avid naturalist who loved exploring forests,
rivers and ocean beaches – a passion he passed along to generations of
family members and many of his students. Through his initiative, a 300
acre old growth forest that was part of his family inheritance became
The MacFarlane Woods, a Provincial Protected Area.
Jim St Clair is survived by nieces Susan Hansen (Douglass
West), Louise Mack, Gloria Mack and Kristin Schafer (Jim Mack), and
nephews Thomas Mack and Jim Mack (Kristin), as well as brother-in-law
George Mack and several grandnephews and nieces who adore him. His
survivors also include many cousins including the Smiths of Inverness,
the Rankins of Mull River and Mabou, the “Kelly”
MacDonalds of Stewartdale, Peter (Francesca) Webber and David St.
Clair. He was predeceased by nephews James St. Clair and David Mack,
brother Byron St. Clair, sisters Julie St. Clair and Elizabeth (St
Clair) Mack, and his longtime feline companion Max.
Many close friends were very important in his life, including
A.J. and Juanita Campbell of Mabou Ridge, the Wrights and Franks of
Mull River, Angie Smith, Rev. Donna Tourneur and Rev. Nancy Price,
Carole Chisholm, Kendra MacKenzie, the Harding family, Donald Dunbar,
Pauline MacLean, Rodney Chaisson, members of the staffs of CBC,
Inverness Oran, Highland Village, and many others.
The boundless curiosity, commitment, thoughtfulness and joy
he brought to so many for so long will be forever
treasured.
Jim asked that in his memory contributions be made to the
Mission and Service Fund of the United Church, the Nova Scotia
Highland Village or Mabou An Drochaid Museum. A virtual
Funeral will be held on Tuesday, May 18th at
2:00 with Rev. Donna Tourneur officiating. Visit the Haverstock
Funeral Home webpage for live links:
Zoom:
us02web.zoom.us/j/88407482764
Meeting ID: 884 0748 2764
facebook live: www.facebook.com/opendoors151
youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCzJlnzDQ8MgcdrjrRQ1-oSw
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