Obituary of James DeYoung
James Joseph DeYoung, 84, of Antigonish, passed away peacefully at St. Martha's Hospital, Antigonish Monday, March 29,2021.
Born on November 13th, 1936 in Pictou County Dad maintained true to his roots. Pictou County was always "Home". So, he will rest there.
At the young age of 18, Dad married the love of his life, Elizabeth (Betty Hughes) DeYoung.
They settled in and began their family having 7 children. The family lived many years in Westville,then Aulds Cove, Bridgeville and finally settling in Antigonish to further his career.
Dad was a well-known businessman. He began his entrepreneurship at the early age of 10 yrs. delivering newspapers in Stellarton, NS. He was quick to learn the rewards of putting extra effort into everything you do. He worked all his adult life in the tire industry working for many years for Clark Tire, New Glasgow. Dad was 18 when he began his employment in service, then advanced to Sales and delivery eventually working his way up to management of a branch shop. Soon after he went out on his own opening his own Tire Service and Sales Shop, Goodwear Tire.
After many years of serving eastern Nova Scotia, Dad retired in January,1991. The good life began and nobody enjoyed life more than Dad. An avid hunter and fisherman Dad was happiest in the outdoors, walking in the woods, gardening, boating or just driving around the countryside. Immediately after retirement Dad also began enjoying more time with his family at home and his favorite place “the Farm” in Havendale, Guysborough NS. His reward for hard work was the endless days he spent fishing, hunting, enjoying family and friends in the serenity of the farm, overlooking the waters of Guysborough Interval. He only had a short walk from his backdoor to the woods and the natural surroundings he loved so much.
Dad is survived by his seven children, Debi (Don King) Palm, Minnesota; James Jr., Westville; Dawn Robin (Leo) Vincent; Vanda (Fred) Chisholm; Derek, all of Antigonish; Kelly (Anthony) Bennett, Havre Boucher and Jeffery (Annette), Sackville. Known as Papa Jim to all who entered his family and home Dad is also survived by 13 grandchildren, DJ (Naomi), Darren (Sylvia) and David (Kristeen) Corning, Molly Lee, Gabrielle and Alysha McNeill, Trevor (Mary Ellen) DeYoung, Myra (Dwayne) MacKenzie, Colin and Douglas Chisholm, Tristen (Margaret) DeYoung, Mitchell DeYoung and MicKayla Dort.
Dad was also a great grandfather to 12 very special people who loved him dearly, Christina Lilly, Dustin, Mylen, Hanna, Lucas, Autumn, Deacon, Lucy, Oren, Noah, Ashley & Alexis.
Dad also leaves behind his many sisters and brothers, Doreen Sharpe, Barbara MacKay both of Ontario, Alexander DeYoung {Jeannie} (Abercrombie), Shirley MacPherson {David}, North Grant, Marie Royals {Warren} Plymouth, Ronald Harris (Margaret} Stellarton, Judy Sinclair, Westville, Wayne Harris, Stellarton, Bryce Harris (Violet "Sissy"), Stellarton, Donald Harris, Riverton. Dad held a very special family bond with Diane & Harry Lamey, Westville. Dad also leaves behind many special nieces and nephews.
Dad was predeceased by his wife Elizabeth Alice (Hughes) DeYoung, Parents Walter DeYoung, Margaret and Allie Harris. Siblings, Frances DeYoung (Riverton), Bernard DeYoung (Stellarton), Marguerite (Peggy), Ontario, Allie Harris, BC, Susan Hebert, Scotsburn, brother in infancy, Murray Harris, granddaughter in-law, Naomi Corning (Hamilton), parents’ in-law Samuel and Mae (Parsons) Hughes, brother in-law Sammy Hughes, brothers-in-law Wilfred MacKay, Ontario, Park Sharpe, Ontario, infant daughter Mya Arnell.
Cremation has taken place. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Eagles Funeral Home, Westville, Nova Scotia. A Private Memorial Service (due to covid restrictions invitation only) to honour Dad and celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at 11:00 am at Eagles Funeral Home, Westville. Nova Scotia. The funeral service, however will be streamed live to the public and may be watched by clicking on this link https://youtu.be/bx6WRF5puc4 Family Flowers only please. Donations can be made to the Canadian Heart & Lung Association or a Charity of your choice.