James Anthony Lingley

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James Anthony Lingley 1937 – 2023 Age 86
James Lingley, (“Jim” or “Jimmy” as many called him), passed away peacefully on December 6, 2023 at Queens General Hospital. His loving family gathered around him, caring for him and showering him with their endless love, honoring their amazing husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. The love of his life, his wife of 67 years, Gloria (nee Dexter), cared for him at home for as long as possible per Jim’s wishes. During his short time in hospital, he continued doing what he did best: making those he loved laugh.
Jim was born in Liverpool, to Henry and Hazel (Conrad) Lingley. As a New Year’s baby, the community of Liverpool showered Jim with a supply of milk for a year. In return, Jim devoted his life to his family and community.
Most knew him as “Jim, the Bens Bread Deliveryman”. He was a dedicated worker for Bens of 38 years, covering all of Queens County as well as Lockeport and Caledonia. His strong work ethic was recognized by Bens when Jim received the Annual Top Salesman Award for all of Atlantic Canada several times. In addition to his full-time Bens job, he also was known for running a used car lot from his home on Bristol Avenue; he was a very talented, self-taught mechanic and auto-body worker. He could take an old, worn-down car and turn it into a work of art. If that wasn’t enough to keep Jim busy, he was also known for Jim’s Taxi business, again run from his home, employing many family members. However, his success in these several business ventures would not have been possible without his wife, Gloria, as his business partner.
Jim also was a self-taught carpenter, and his talents are showcased throughout his 150-year-old home. Really, there was nothing that Jim couldn’t do. Besides his deep love for his family, we are not sure which set of memories brought him more joy during his final days: the many classic cars/convertibles he owned and restored, or the people he met as he cheerfully made his daily rounds in his Bens truck and travels.
Jim had a love for nature and travel. He loved canoeing and swimming. Many would remember his remarkable diving skills, as he poised himself on the highest peak of Summerville Beach’s train bridge. He built his cottage by himself to completion, inside and out. He traveled with his family across Canada several times as well as Florida for about 25 years in a row. He extended his generosity of sharing the experience of travel to many of his children’s friends. He volunteered his time to support his children over the years in their school/community activities including, but not limited, to Boy Scots, Girl Guides, and NSSSA.
James was the baby in a family of 4 (predeceased by his brother Phillip and sister Eileen (Langille) and survived by sister Julia (Westhaver). However, no one knows the life of Jim better than his wife Gloria. She always beams as she shares the remarkable stories of her Jim. At the age of 18, a young Jim placed a stick of gum on the desk of a new student in his class who had moved from Milton (Gloria, age 15). From that day forward, Gloria and Jim would spend nearly every moment together as they raised 5 children; Yvonne (h. David Fisher), David (w. Debbie Lane), Patricia (h. Darryl Pottie), William (w. Dana Rogers) and Jacob (w. Tasha Silliphant). Always happy to have more, Jim and Gloria have 13 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. His family was his greatest achievement.
This wonderful, caring man will be deeply missed, but will never be gone from our hearts and memories. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. in Chandlers' Funeral Chapel, Liverpool, NS. Pastor Noah Lohnes officiating.   Online condolences may be made below.