Obituary of James Darling Strachen
Masks are requested by family for attendance at all services. Thank you.
“A LIFE WELL LIVED”
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, James on Sunday, August 7, 2022 at the Veteran’s Health Unit in Fredericton , NB with family at his side. Jim was an only child born in Selkirkshire , Scotland and immigrated to Canada with his parents, John (Jock) and Margaret (Peggy) Strachan at the age of five. They settled in the farming community of New Jerusalem, NB where he made lifelong friends.
Jim joined the navy at the age of seventeen and served primarily as a signal man on Corvettes on the North Atlantic Convoys, training Combined Operations Troops in Scotland , and on Landing Craft (Large) on the D-Day Landings on Juno, Sword and Utah Beaches .
Upon returning from service, Jim farmed with his parents at Premier J.B. McNair’s Gordonvale Farm in Parkers Ridge , NB where they raised prized Cheviot Sheep and Border Collies. In 1952 Jim graduated from The Maritime Forest Ranger School and until his retirement worked for Companies such as Miramichi Lumber, Acadia , IP and finally Ashley Colter Ltd. Jim was a woodsman at heart. He loved the forest, brooks and rivers and was a great observer of all nature, both animals and plants and grew a great garden and raspberry patch at his home in Boiestown. He was a member of Landmark Masonic Lodge and Royal Canadian Legion Normandy Branch 78 in Boiestown , NB
Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife and mother of his children, Rae ( Murray ), his loving wife of 17 years, Viola ( Davis ) and his dear only son, Donald James Strachan; his many brothers and sister in law from the Murray Clan. He is survived by his daughters, Margaret Watt ( Duncan ) and Barbara Strachan, both of Ottawa , ON and his dear daughter in law, Judy Strachan of Chetwynd , BC ; many nieces and nephews and Viola’s extended family.
Jim loved children and was always interested in and commented on their lives. He sadly leaves eight grandchildren; Kelly (Brandi), Kurt (Jaylene), Eric and Kayla (Nathan) Strachan; Sara Rae (Trevor) and Emily Ann Watt (Pasi); and Iain and Lauren Avis. He was the proud great grandfather of ten (plus one “soon to be”); Ava, Ella and Jett; Jackson, Tucker and Bennett; Presley, Harlynn and Hendrix; Keston; and his beloved grand dog Max (the weiner dog).
Jim was quiet and well read, an observer of people and events and a somewhat cynical commentator. He had a wry sense of humor and was a humorous and detailed story teller. We will miss his laughter dearly.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all staff at the Veteran’s unit for their care and friendship over these difficult years. We are especially grateful for the care of his beloved “Roxie” (Roxanne) Brewer and the friendship of Gene Clowater and Donald and Angie Murray who made his final days memorable. We could not have coped without you.
The family request that masks be worn. Visitation will take place at the Miramichi Valley Chapel, New Bandon, NB., on Sunday, August 14, 2022 from 12 – 2 pm, followed by a Funeral Service at 2 pm. Interment will take place at the Boiestown United Church Cemetery . For those who wish, donations may be made to the Shiner’s Hospital or the Boiestown United Church Cemetery Fund. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of James
Darling
jim
Strachen 1925 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Fredericton, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick