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Obituary of James Alexander Pincock
Dr. James Alexander Pincock (Jim) passed away on Sunday, July 27th at his residence in London Hall, a long term care community in Bedford, Nova Scotia. He was 82 years old. He died in the loving company of his wife, Alexandra (Alex), and his two daughters, Katherine and Christine. Jim was born in Vancouver on May 7th, 1943 to George Leyland Pincock and Sadie Boyle. He was the middle child of three sons, eldest Douglas (1941) and youngest Fred (1945). Their father was a meteorologist for the Government of Canada, so they relocated often, first to Victoria, then Vancouver, then Ottawa (twice) and also Metz, France, where George worked as the chief weather forecaster for the Canadian Air Force. The family then moved to Winnipeg in 1959 where Jim finished high school at Kelvin.
Throughout his youth, Jim was an avid Scout, sports fan and athlete, playing baseball, football, hockey, track and field and especially basketball, for all the many schools he attended. In his final graduating year, he was named a city all-star playing guard for the Kelvin Varsity team. Alex always kidded him that the only thing standing between him and the NBA was two feet in height.
Jim studied Chemistry at the University of Manitoba where he met Alexandra Lubov Grenkiw in their honours chemistry class. They were classmates and friends when (at last!) they began dating in their final year. Alex was part of the Ukrainian diaspora in Winnipeg. This made for an interesting merging of the families (Protestant vs. Ukrainian Catholic), but they were blessed regardless, marrying in Winnipeg on August 12, 1967. Happily, both groups had a very good time at the wedding.
After completing his Masters of Science, Jim continued on to pursue his PhD at the University of Toronto. In 1973, he and Alex moved to the Maritimes where Jim took up a one-year position at Dalhousie University. This began a 35-year tenure as one of the most sought-after professors in the Chemistry Department. Every year students would camp out in the registration halls overnight to secure a spot in his class. He was given the Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching and was named Canada’s Best Chemistry Professor by the Union Carbide Award of the Chemical Institute of Canada. His field of research was mechanistic organic chemistry and with the help of two long-time technicians and a procession of graduate and undergraduate students, he produced a large number of significant papers. When the time came, he dutifully took the role as Chair of the Department, but teaching and mentoring students was what he loved best.
Jim and Alex settled in the Halifax County area of Hubley, on a one-acre lot where they built a lovely house for two, before being surprised with the coming of their daughter Katherine (1979) and then Christine two years later (1981.) Many renovations were done, and when not teaching and conducting research, Jim spent his days working with Alex on the house and garden and being a daily source of guidance and generosity to his daughters. The family entertained often, developing close relationships with many students and faculty.
Jim and Alex travelled extensively throughout Canada and the US. After Jim retired in 2008 they also spent some time visiting Europe, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Australia. At home, he liked to bowl, bake bread and spend many hours assembling model ships with the most intricate details. In 2015, he was officially diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and remained at home until April 2023 when he then took up residence, first at Evan Hall in Clayton Park and then London Hall in Bedford. The staff all spoke extremely fondly of him, calling him their “professor” and remarking on how funny and good-natured he was.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife and daughters, his son-in-law Sean, his two grandchildren, Ben and Ali, his brothers Doug and Fred, their wives and children, and extended family and friends. His unconditional kindness left a mark on all who knew him.
There will be a private memorial celebration held for Jim this coming October. The family is gratefully accepting donations to the Canadian Alzheimer Society, in lieu of gifts.
1943 2025
Death notice for the town of: Halifax, Province: Nova Scotia
death notice James
Alexander
Pincock 1943 2025
obituaries notice James
Alexander
Pincock 1943 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of James
Alexander
Pincock 1943 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
