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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
DOYLE, James Wilfred - age 91, passed on June 7, 2025, in Halifax, NS after a brief illness.
Our dad was born on Aug 1, 1933, at Black Point in Sydney Mines, Cape Breton Island, the son of Walter Doyle and Josephine Harrietha. His early life experiences on the shores of Black Point and the avenues of Sydney Mines shaped the loving family man, loyal friend and community leader he would become.
Jim was proud of his Cape Breton and Newfoundland roots and his huge extended family. He understood that family shapes who we are and he was deeply committed to keeping family history and connections.
Jim received a B. Comm from St. Francis Xavier University in 1956 and then his Bachelor of Education. To pay for his education, he enrolled in a naval officer training program for four summers with postings in Halifax, Hamilton, Esquimalt, and Point Edward while attaining the rank of Lieutenant. One of his favorite stories involved the time he hitchhiked from Vancouver Island to Cape Breton through the northern US, visiting family in Milwaukee and Detroit.
Faced with a choice between a career in the navy traveling the world or teaching in his beloved Cape Breton, he accepted a position at Riverview High, and the following year a principalship at St. John Junior High. With that, the die was cast, and the education community gained a leader and mentor. Undoubtedly, his future wife and life partner, Maureen Kenny, had an influence on his decision.
Jim was a lifelong learner and natural mentor, who dedicated his life to education, inspiring generations of students in the classroom and beyond. He also gave his time and talents to numerous organizations, volunteer boards, sports teams and nonprofits over the years.
When he retired in 1989, Jim opened the Northside Driving Academy, using his teaching skills and patience to help hundreds of young and older drivers develop their confidence.
A true renaissance man, Jim seemed to do it all and that extended to running the house on Brown Street Ext. that he built and cherished. He displayed his deep sense of partnership, respect and care by sharing the household responsibilities and setting a wonderful example for us.
Jim was a gifted athlete with a lifelong love of hockey, from his early days lacing up his skates on Doyle Pond in Black Point to a successful career as a winger at St. F. X. and on local senior squads. He was proud of his induction into the Cape Breton Sports Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach.
He loved golf too and was a regular on the links at Seaview. He was thrilled to have received a lifetime membership when he turned 80.
It was through skating that he met his beloved Maureen at the North Sydney Forum.
Jim loved trailering and RVing: to Ingonish, Kejimkujik, Dunvegan, through the Maritimes, the Eastern U.S, and Florida with his family and friends. Other joys in Jim’s life included days at “The Land” in Ironville with family and friends; the first Sunday in August in Piper’s Cove surrounded by his extended family; happy hours in Myrtle Beach with retired teachers from Cape Breton; and of course, his grandchildren. He loved spending time with them most of all.
For us, our dad was a devoted father and family man, instilling his values of hard work, kindness, and the importance of giving back on his children. His quiet strength, his playful sense of humor and steadfast guidance were the foundation of our family.
Besides his parents, Jim was predeceased by his sisters Lucy (Sam Lamey), Medie (Hector Boutilier), Nellie (Neil MacPhee), Betty (Samuel MacLean), Monica (Wilfred Ramsay), and Mary Josephine; brothers Edward (Nora), Leo (MaryAnne) and Jack; brothers-in-law Donald (Mona), Lawrence and Howard (Catherine); sisters-in-law Lorraine, Mary (Elio Ianetti).
He is survived by his wife of 67 years Maureen, his children Allan (Cheryl), Mary Beth (Glenn MacDougall), Cathy (Tom Mason) and Alison; his Grandchildren Caitlin (Ryan) MacLeod, Ben (Aditi) MacDougall, AJ (Shannon), Greg (Camila) MacDougall; great grandchildren Bella and Maya; his sister Anne (the late Vince Isaak); sister-in-law Dorothy (Albert Sumarah).
Special thanks to the staff at Maplestone Enhanced Care for the care, kindness and love they provided over the past three years.
The family will welcome visitors and celebrate Jim's life on Friday, June 20th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at JM Jobes Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, June 21st at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, North Sydney, with Rev. Doug MacDonald officiating - reception to follow at Sydney Mines Pensioners’ Club.
In lieu of flowers or donations, Jim would prefer you perform an act of kindness. (J. M. Jobes Funeral Home)
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