We are saddened to announce the peaceful passing of James Joseph “Jimmie Bear” MacIsaac, aged 72, on September 12, 2024, at the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Dad was born on June 11, 1952 to the late John Jamieson and Mary (MacMillan) MacIsaac of Judique, NS. Dad was the second oldest of eleven siblings in the family known as the Bears. Mourning our loss are Jimmie’s wife of 45 years Marion (MacMaster), sons Chad (Courtney) and Matthew (Lindsey), daughter Katielyn “Kate”, step grandson, Brody and his pride and joy, grandson Declan James (Papa’s boy). Dad is also survived by his siblings Donnie (Annette), Marina (the late Robbie) MacEachern, A.J. (Virginia), Mickey (Sarah Ann), Jamie (Louise), Lauchie (Colleen), Neil (Janet), David (Lorraine), sisters-in-law Sheila (the late Duncan) MacIsaac, Veronica (George) Singfield, Fran MacMaster, Aneas (Dernie) Gillis, Peggy (Jerry) Burke, Andrea (Doug) Fougere, and so many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Jimmie was predeceased by his mother-in-law Kaye, father-in-law Angus John, brothers John S., and Duncan, brother-in-law Robbie, niece Meggie Jean, and nephew Keith. They are all now joyfully reunited in heaven.

Growing up, Dad was the wise, honest, patient, and supportive brother to many of his siblings. He shared his wealth of wisdom and knowledge with his family, and had the biggest, strongest heart which his mother knew from a young age. We loved hearing stories from his younger days growing up with nine brothers and one sister. Family meant everything to him.

Dad worked at Stora Forest Industries in Point Tupper for 41 years until retirement, starting as a pipe fitter and in his latter years worked as a maintenance planner in TMP. Dad always enjoyed going to work, and made many life-long friends. After his retirement, Dad made five trips to the oil sands in Alberta, he continued to show us the value of hard work and determination. Dad was heavily involved in both hockey and baseball, coaching his children’s teams for many years. The weekends were often spent on the road, and we’re so thankful for his commitment to us. He gave us the opportunity to try any sport and encouraged us all to keep up with our skills. Although never close to earning his PGA tour card, Dad loved early morning weekend golf with his brother Neil, and their late buddies Bob and Dixie. He was so proud to see us all go out for a round of golf every time we were home together, and hearing how many balls we each lost per round. All that mattered to Dad was that we were together and we had fun!

Dad was a huge fan of all things New York City, especially his beloved Yankees and Rangers. From a young age, New York had a special place in Dad’s heart. He was able to visit the Big Apple twice with his late buddy Mel, where they would have spent more time at Yankee Stadium than anywhere else. We loved sitting together at home with Dad, watching the game and enjoying a Black Angus.

Dad was an outdoorsman, whether it was moose hunting with his brothers and friends, fishing for trout or bass, or simply taking care of the property cutting the grass and tending to his flower and vegetable gardens. Dad loved nature, his daily walks on the trail, the sunsets, and the arrival and departure of the hummingbirds.  Dad enjoyed putting on the leather jacket and hitting the road on his Harley. He had a big network of biker buddies, and especially enjoyed going around the Cabot Trail with his friend John Lester or as part of the “Golden Tooth Ride” with Albert’s crew. Dad’s other passion was harness racing. Sunday afternoons were reserved for a spot along the rail in Inverness.

Over the years, Dad volunteered his time as a board member of the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre, a member of the Judique fire department, a member of the former Judique Ambulance Service, and the Judique Rails and Trails Society.

Dad was most proud of us, the family he raised, and his grandson Declan James. We will cherish the memories of Papa and Declan’s interaction; their smiles and relationship was indescribable.

Dr. Susie Egar went above and beyond for Dad, we are so grateful for your thorough, compassionate care. Thank you to the Continuing Care nurses for your visits with Dad. Dad was so impressed by, and thankful for, the work of the Oncology team at the Inverness Hospital. We would like to thank you all, especially his two angels Melissa and Melinda. Dad always said you both made treatment day so easy with your bubbly personalities. We also wish to thank the Palliative care team, notably Dr. Ritter, Lori Ann, and Lyndsey, along with the entire staff in 2-West at the Inverness Hospital. You respected our Dad and kept our family comfortable during the most difficult days of our lives.

We are forever grateful to you all. We love you forever Dad. Talk later, Papa!

Visitation will be held Sunday September 15, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Monday September 16, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Judique Fire Hall, River Deny’s Road, Judique. Funeral will be held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday September 17, 2024 at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Judique, with burial to follow in the parish cemetery. A reception will follow in the Judique Community Center.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Oncology Department at the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital or to Celtic Music Interpretative Centre, Judique.