It is with broken hearts we inform you of Jim’s passing.
James Fraser O’Neill passed away on December 14, 2024 at home, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Sydney, NS in 1957 Jim was the much loved son of Mary (Snookie) O’Neill and the late James Fraser O’Neill.
Life began for Jim in Sydney, he moved to Glace Bay around age 12 and he finished his life in London Ontario. After graduating from St Michael’s High School, he attended St FX junior college (Little X) in Sydney. He then worked as a sales “rep” for London Life. London Life saw his great potential and tried several times to lure him to Ontario. They finally succeeded in 1995 – a move and a decision he never regretted. Jim enjoyed several positions at London Life – now Canada Life; he contributed much and he made several lifelong friends.
In NS, he was a past president of the Glace Bay Rotary Club and it’s where he learned the game of golf. In Ontario, along with his great friend, Nick, they coached boys hockey together for 10 years. Having no boys of his own, he enjoyed teaching them to learn, respect and enjoy the game of hockey and he always said “And I don’t have to feed, clothe or educate them!!!” Golf was also a big part of his life in Ontario and he got pretty good at it – not as good as Mike of course, but he could hold his own.
Jim is survived by his wife Harla, daughters Sara (Tim) Shanks and Allison (Mitch Martin) O’Neill. And his three grandchildren Benjamin, Evelyn and Natalie. Jim loved his daughters and granddaughters unconditionally – it was his mission in life that they knew they were loved. And Ben – his only boy, his special boy, his buddy, his best friend – loved and adored to the furthest reaching star.
Also surviving Jim is his mom, Snookie (Mary Moules); sisters Mona (Francis) MacDonald, Kelly (Paul) Tobin and Barbie (Gerry Bennett) and brothers Clary (Darlene) and Shaun Pat (Diana). And his chosen brother – his Uncle Eddy Moules. Also surviving are his wife’s siblings – sisters Kathy MacLeod and Jamey Gagne and brother Gordon (Relic) McKillop. Jim will also be missed by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, golfing buddies, work associates.
Jim was predeceased by his dad, James Fraser, Sr, his sister in law and brother in law – Peggy and Richard Goulden, brother in law Jimmy McKillop, mother in law and father in law – Jeanne and Kenny McKillop.
Jim had many Doctors over the years – thank you to all of you with special mention to Dr V Soo, Dr B Achtar, Dr J MacLean and our source of much hope & support, Dr. E Winquist. We never visited your office where we didn’t feel better leaving than when we went in. You’re one great oncologist! Thank you all.
As per Jim’s request, cremation has taken place, with Harris Funeral Home entrusted with his arrangements. A Celebration of Life will take place at West Haven Golf Course, 7038 Egremont Drive in London, ON on January 11, 2025 from 1:00 to 4:00pm with words of remembrance at 3:00. Jim will be laid to rest in Nova Scotia later in the year. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Jim may be made to paediatric cancer (Children’s Health Foundation) or a charity of choice. Family flowers only please.
You will be missed, Jim and loved forever. Godspeed.