James (Jamie) Wilkie Grant (October 25, 1943 – May 25, 2026) of Guysborough.
He was the son of Jean (Gardener) and Wilkie Grant.
Brother to George, John and Margaret; he loved and laughed with (and at) you all in equal measure.
Best friend, husband and sometime annoyance of 59 years to Judy. They shared a life, a family, many pets and a garden together. Their mutual love and respect for one another was evident daily and was the foundation upon which they built their family.
Father to Alison and Marianne. He was a thoughtful advice giver, the most embarrassing dancer, strongest piggy backer, unflappable driving coach, perpetual thermostat lower-er, maker of bugs (both tickle and thump) and the very best mentor and teacher.
Much loved grandpa (and creator of ridiculously elaborate pirate treasure hunts) to Claire, Will, Jack and Matthew. Pirate Scruffybeard will certainly sail on to continued misadventure.
He attended StFXU and Dalhousie University, establishing a career as a teacher and guidance counsellor, primarily at Guysborough Municipal High School. He retired, enviably, at 52 and embarked on a second chapter.
He valued his physical strength and fitness, happily wearing out many pairs of shoes walking in the woods. He preferred not to stray too far from home, though he managed to leave the continent behind once or twice – he thought travel was fine, but didn’t necessarily think that it was worth all the trouble. He was a voracious reader of history and social sciences, and an armchair scholar and philosopher. An amateur historian, author and genealogist, he thrived on sharing his seemingly endless store of local facts and lore, finding connections and helping others to do the same, through the Guysborough Historical Society.
His prodigious memory for detail assisted him as a masterful (if slow building) teller of stories (and Judy has heard them ALL). He brought to life the character and nuance of the local area and its many characters. He could turn his hand to just about anything, building his home using a book from Readers Digest, and later enjoying time in his woodworking shop, turning many fine bowls on his lathe. He was a romantic soul, and a pragmatist. He loved animals, particularly horses and cattle. He loved growing things. He hated waste and cruelty.
His last years saw his body decline due to illness, but his mind remained sharp and his spirit kind. He asserted that he had had 76 really great years, and surely that was more than one’s fair share. Who could desire more than that? Despite being prepared for the eventuality, we feel his absence keenly. We were so fortunate to have had him in our lives.
Thank you Carol and Derek, and to the palliative care/home support team.
There will be a gathering to remember him 1 pm to 4 pm Saturday, June 6, 2026 at the Old Court House Museum. Private interment at a later date.
