POIRIER, Joseph 'James' - It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joseph ‘James’ Poirier, 68 of Inverness. James passed away peacefully on Friday, March 20, 2020, in Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital with his loving family by his side. Born on September 8, 1951, he was the son of the late John James and Julia (LeBlanc) Poirier, and stepson of late Margaret (MacDonald) Poirier. A hard worker all his life, he went to work at a young age after the death of his father (1966) and was employed at J & H Diner, working in the restaurant and later the dry cleaning plant while attending Inverness Consolidated School, graduating from Mabou Consolidated School and graduating Canso Vocational School with Carpentry. As a Carpenter and handy man and was employed in the building of the Inverness Arena, refurbishing many local homes and always willing to share his talents with others if anything needed fixing. After the sale of the J&H Diner, he began his employment with Shean Co-op for the next 32 years, starting as delivery driver and working his way up to Department Manager of Produce. He was an avid hunter and fisherman teaching his children the skills and appreciation of both sports. He was a founding member of Inverness CB Club ("Coffeemaker"), a past member of Inverness Ground Search & Rescue, Eucharistic Minister and Hospitality Minister with Stella Maris Church and a proud and dedicated member of Inverness Volunteer Fire Department where he served for 38 years holding numerous offices over the years including several positions as Captain, Hall & Welfare Chair, Bingo Chair (Firemen’s Saturday Night Bingo), Secretary, Vice President, President, Deputy Chief, Assistant Deputy Chief and was always willing to take on any role to do what was needed of him. James liked to dance and in better days would be the first on the floor and the last to leave. He enjoyed a good game of crib, 45’s or a competitive game of auction. But it was Bingo that he enjoyed the most and many times filled in as caller. Being able to play bingo at home during his disability gave him something to look forward to. He was a true Toronto Maple Leaf fan and sadly didn't get to fulfill his wish to attend a game. Holidays and special events were always celebrated and family, friends and co-workers always welcomed to socialize. Many a party just happened! On March 1, 2011 life changed and he was forced to give up his employment and involvement in community activities when he became disabled with Parkinson’s Disease. He fought a courageous battle for the past 9 years before the disease and other health complications ended his fight this past week. He is now at peace and pain free. James is survived by his loving wife of 40 years (February 8, 2020), Kathleen (MacIntyre) Poirier; son, Ian (Belinda); daughter, Jessica, both of Inverness; son, Andrew, Glace Bay; sisters, Ann Poirier and Mary Camus, Inverness; Joan (David) Warren, Edmonton, AB; brother, Joey (Patricia), Inverness; sister-in-law, Mary Ann MacLellan, Fort McMurray, AB; nieces, nephews, grandnieces, nephews, cousins and his brother & sister fire fighters. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by an infant daughter; an infant sister; adopted brother, Gerald MacDonald; aunts, Margaret Webb and Mary H. Chiasson; step uncles and cousins. Visitation will be on Friday, September 18 from 2-9 p.m. in the Inverness Fire Hall, Central Ave., Inverness. Funeral mass will be 2 p.m. Saturday, September 19 from Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church, Inverness with Father Dan MacDonald officiating. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. In keeping with COVID-19 guidelines, face masks and social distancing measures will be in effect for the visitation and funeral mass. Donations in James’ memory can be made to Inverness Volunteer Fire Department, Stella Maris Building Fund or Parkinson’s Association. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com Walk freely with the angels! Kisses Good Night, XO Visitation Information Visitation Friday, September 18, 2020 Visitation Time 2-9 p.m. Visitation Location Inverness Fire Hall, Central Ave., Inverness Service Information Service Date Saturday, September 19, 2020 Service Time 2 p.m. Service Location Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church, Inverness Burial Information Burial Date Saturday, September 19, 2020 Burial Time Following the Funeral Mass Burial Location Stella Maris Parish Cemetery, Inverness