Obituary of Lawrence Joseph James

Lawrence Joseph “Larry” James, 72, Stellarton, passed away peacefully, Saturday, January 20, 2024, in the VG Site, QEII, Halifax, surrounded by the strength and love of his family.

Born in New Glasgow, he was a son of the late Albert and Julia (Ermenc) James. Larry was known for his strong work ethic and fearless drive.  His first job was at the McBain Mine, Thorburn as a teenager.  Following he worked on the Sable Island oil rigs, and eventually took schooling in the Autobody Collision Repair Trade at Cape Breton Institute of Technology. He worked at several autobody shops in Pictou County before moving to Calgary, Alta., to work at Calgary Crash and then Action Frame and Collision, Calgary. In the early 80’s he brought the latest in frame straightening technology and the Action Frame name to Pictou County, initially setting up shop at the Petro Canada Station in Alma, where he was in business with his brother, Johnny, who operated James Diner. From there he established Larry James Services Ltd., eventually opening his own shop in McLellan’s Brook. His expertise in frame straightening was well known province wide. He and his son, Larry Jr., took their business to the “next level” in 2009 when they opened the New Glasgow Fix Auto franchise.

He enjoyed “switching gears” in 2013 when he helped his daughter, Kesha, open Beau Ideal, New Glasgow. He then was instrumental in the renovation of her McLellan’s Brook location in 2020. Larry was extremely proud and instrumental in the renovation of his original shop into the beautiful wedding venue, The Bridal Suite and Wojo’s Golf and Beverage. He was very pleased that his son, Shawn, purchased his former home and enjoyed all aspects of the renovation project. Larry was very proud of his oldest daughter, Beverly, who inherited his drive and determination, and for her devotion to her family.

When he “took a break”, he enjoyed golfing with Herbie and Steve, projects at “the water” in Pictou Landing and a few Coronas from time to time. He was a loving father who always did what he could for his children. In 2012, Larry met a beautiful woman from the Philippines, Jelly, whom he married and loved dearly. They enjoyed many quiet times at home with their little dog, Suki. For Larry, “life has changed; not ended!”

Surviving are his wife, Jelly (Luchavez) James; daughters, Beverly (Wayne) Denny, Pictou Landing First Nation; Kesha Lena Weir (Steve Wojtowicz), Westville and her mother, Marla James, Granton; sons, Larry Jr. (Gaylene) James, Pictou Landing, and Shawn James (Sherrie Cook), Thorburn, and their mom, June Roddick, McLellan’s Mountain; grandchildren, Candace, Tracey, Wayne L., Calvin, Jonathon, Ryan, Gracyn, Danielle, Megan, Kylee, Ashton and Cruz; great-grandchildren, Chiles and Reah; sisters, Minnie Sartoris, Thorburn; Mary Harned, St. John, N.B.; Rose MacEachern, Stellarton; Bertha (Jim) Simpson, Calgary, Alta.; brothers, Herbie (Sherry) James, Thorburn; sisters-in-law, Colleen James, and Marie James, Stellarton; Laura Mae James, Burlington, Mass.; brothers-in-law, Billy Swallow, and Joe Morrison, Thorburn; numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by sisters, Helen Stewart, Julie Sartoris, Annie Swallow and Dorothy Morrison; brothers, Johnny, Andrew, and Alex James; sister-in-law, Elizabeth James; brothers-in-law, Chalmers Stewart, Lloyd Sartoris, Donnie MacEachern and Lawson Sartoris; niece, Nichole “Nicky” Hafey; nephews, Martin Sartoris, Chalmers “Challie” Stewart, Blair Sartoris, John Stewart and Daniel Olsten; great-nephew, Justin MacDonald.

The family will receive visitors 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, January 26   in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow from where funeral service will be held 11 a.m.  Saturday, January 27 in the chapel with Mr. John Reeves officiating.  Interment will be in Thorburn Cemetery.

Family flowers only. Donations may be made in Larry’s memory to the Thorburn Cemetery Association.

The James family wish to extend sincere thanks and appreciation to Dr. Rendon, Dr. Wood, the staff of 6^th floor IMCU, 5B and Palliative Care Unit, VG Site, QEII, Halifax for their excellent care and support.

Funeral Service Livestream please click HERE