James Foch McAvoy passed away peacefully at his son’s home in Petit-Rocher, New Brunswick on Sunday, August 14, 2022 after a short illness.
James was the first child of Charles Vincent McAvoy and Stella Mae Gorman. He was pre-deceased by his parents and all seven of his younger brothers and sisters.
Born on November 13, 1918, just after the signing of the peace treaty to end the First World War, Jim survived the challenges of the depression in Halifax and later in Herring Cove. He enlisted in 1939 with the Royal Canadian Engineers, 1st Field Company, bridging division and passed 5½ years overseas to return safely to Halifax at the end of the Second World War. After completing a Fisheries Officer training course, Jim took his first career job in Liverpool, Nova Scotia where he courted and married his sweetheart, Grace Stafford. Carolyn who passed untimely in 1965, Fred, and Bill were all born in Liverpool. In 1961, Jim took a promotion for DPO of the western half of New Brunswick and moved the family to Saint Andrews by the Sea where Maureen (Mo) joined the family in 1965. Family life was full of camping vacations, travel and social activities. Retiring in 1987, Jim and Grace moved to White Rock staying only one year and later only one year with Fred in Bathurst (2007-2008). Grace passed in 2014 and Mo in 2015. Certainly, Jim lived a long and eventful life. If you had the honor to meet or know him, you will understand our loss and heaven’s gain.
Left to grieve are his two sons: Fred (Fernand) of Petit-Rocher, N.B. and Bill (Lynnette) of White Rock, B.C., five grandchildren, Dustin, Katie, Malcolm, Jordan and Ranger, two great-grandchildren Macey and Hollis, two brothers in law (Merrill Stafford and Max Gallagher) and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation is planned for 9:30 – 10:30 am ain Chandler’s Funeral Home, Liverpool on Friday, August 19, 2022 followed by a private funeral mass at St Gregory’s Catholic Church in Liverpool, Nova Scotia at 11:00 am. Father Joseph Thomas officiating. Online condolences may be made to www.chandlersfuneral.com.
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Leona Golding
So sorry to hear Fred sending my condolences to you and the family.
He was a man who was greatly admired and it is like another history book closed and never to open again. Many blessings!!
Connie whalen
We remember your Dad and the wonderful time he had at the Saint Patrick’s supper meeting friends and making new ones. He enjoyed his dance, and all the music. We were saddened to hear of his passing, our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Connie and Uriel
Neen Bedford
Dear Fred and Bill
Wish I could be there in person and give hugs to you both.
Loved the times I spent on our visits to Herring Cove the early years and listening to his stories he was an inspiration.
Sending my love Neen
Crystal Tonello
Bill, Fred and Families:
U. Jim and A Grace were my FAVORITES… they both hold a very special place in my heart…
Kindness and generosity, laughter and hugs were always part of any visit with your folks.
Love to all as we celebrate his great life xo
Neil and Christine Lai Fatt
Hello McAvoy Family,
sorry for your loss. I have lots of good memories of James and the love of his life Grace.
Rosanne Dempsey
Uncle James, as I knew him through Mary my best friend, was one of the nicest men I ever met.
Vernon & Joyce Hawkes
To all the Stafford and McAvoy Family, we are very sorry for your loss. He was a fine gentleman.
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you All.
Susan Fraser
Hugs to Fred and Bill on the death of Uncle Jim. He lived a long and interesting life. I have fond memories of the good times that I had at their home when Carolyn was alive. RIP Uncle Jim.
Audrey Spencer
Sorry for your loss. My family and myself knew James very well. Audrey Croft
Louis Joseph Landry
To the family of James Foch McAvoy.
On behalf of the Mersey Branch 38, Royal Canadian Legion, I would like to extend our condolences and deepest sympathy for your loss. He was a Veteran of World War II and the Canadian Armed Forces and we will be lowering the National/Provincial flag at the Branch leading up to Sunset on the day of his celebration of life.
Quoting from the poem for “The Fallen” by Laurence Bunyan, “At the going down and in the morning, we will remember them”
In closing, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Louis J. Landry, CD
President
Mersey Branch 38
Royal Canadian Legion
Janet Blackbird
So sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Tammy Chymist
Fred, Bill and Family
Sorry to hear of U. Jim’s passing thoughts are with the Family.
Tammy Robbins
Chris & U. Merrill
Elizabeth Goodall
I was saddened to hear of Uncle James’ passing. I remember growing up in Herring Cove and when your Mom and Dad visited the Family in the Cove. Many preparations were made and one would think a king was coming to visit. He was a kind, funny, and smart and our family has lost its’ historian.
Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
You may not recognize my married name but I am one of the Pelham girls (Elizabeth/Betty) and daughter of Aubrey and Marguerite.
Sylvie Horth
Mes sincères condoléances Fred et Fernand et à toute la famille .Mes pensées sont avec vous xxx
Stephen Nickerson
Sad to hear this news. Sending condolences from the Nickerson Clan here in Liverpool.
Catherine
My deepest of condolences. Very nice service,
Catherine Gallagher and father Max.
Rose Marie Boudreau
Condoléances Fred, Fernand and family.
I’m so glad that I got to meet your dad and honored that I got to decorate his last few Birthday cakes.
Kathy Spearns Conrad
Condolences to the McAvoy family. Colleen, Uncle James was a very classy gentleman!
Marie Muise
Sorry to read about Jim’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Celia Doucet-Clark
My sincerest condolences on the death of your father.
Diane Ashworth
Dear Fred and Bill,
I was thinking of your father this morning and wondering if he could possibly still be alive. He and Grace were great friends of my parents Dot and Charlie Alexander of St Andrew’s. We lived across the street , and shared many a meal and fun times. I recall many stories from a trip to Nfld they made together. In the 70’s.
My mother spent her last 5 years in Halifax and lived in the same area as your Dad so we saw him occasionally before she died. He was a fine gentleman and a good friend . He will be missed but he certainly had a full rich life.
With my condolences,
Diane ( Alexander) Ashworth
Sandy Ernst
JIM You Will Be Greatly Missed By The McLellan Family!!! You Were My BEST FRIEND, Always Giving The Best Advice, Sharing All Your Good Stories, Always Being There For Me. You Had The Biggest Heart Of Anyone I Know!!! ❤️ I Love You So Much
MAY YOU REST IN PEACE XoXoXoXoXo
Sandy Ernst
Susan Spencer- daughter to Joni Blake-Purcell
Hello Fred and family. Just learning about your dad’s passing. Wendy Barringer sent us the obit. Our hearts go out to you and the family and our sincere condolences. Mom, Joni Blake-Purcell, fell this past Monday. Broke her hip. We hope she will walk again. She turned 90 in Feb of this year. Take care of yourselves. God bless.
Bob Charlton
Dear Fred and Bill : I have just learned today 06 November, 2022 of your father’s passing , also of your mother’s and Mo’ s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences. .