Obituary of James Fraser

John James Fraser passed away on May 11, 2023 at the age of 91 in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. He was surrounded by his wife, Lillian, and their children in his final days. 

James was born in Marydale, Antigonish County, in 1931 to John James and Elizabeth (Chisholm) Fraser.

While working in construction in New York in the early 1950s, James was drafted into the United States Army to serve in the Korean War. James served in Europe and later received an honorable discharge. During his service he became interested in the electrical trade. Upon returning to Nova Scotia James married the love of his life, Lillian Ryan, in 1956. He became an electrician and worked for many years at Stora Forest Industries where he met many good friends over the decades. 

James was a talented musician who loved Celtic music. In his younger years James played bagpipes and was a pipe major in the Antigonish Legion Pipe Band. He played the fiddle at many concerts, ceilidhs, recitals and step dance classes over the years. He was a long-time member of the Cape Breton Fiddlers’ Association and was a regular attendee of Celtic dance events across Nova Scotia and at the Celtic Interpretive Centre.

James grew up in a home where Gaelic was often spoken, and as adult had a great passion for his Scottish heritage and culture. He was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion (branch 59). James served as President of the Antigonish Highland Society, and was later made a Life Member of the Society. He was an avid curler at the Highlander Curling Club in St. Andrews.

James is survived by his wife Lillian, brother Ronnie, children:Debbie (Ron) Long; Wayne (Paula) Fraser; Linus (Cecilia) Fraser; Patricia Fraser; Barbara (Freedom) Fraser; Maureen (Robert Cochrane) Fraser; John Fraser; Daniel (Heidi) Fraser; his 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He is predeceased by his sisters Mary, Irene, Theresa, Margaret, Elizabeth, Mary Josephine, Anna; brothers Bernard and Donald. 

James was a devoted husband, proud father and loving grandfather. His loss will be felt across the community. He will be greatly missed by all.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 15, 2023 from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 pm in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant Street, Antigonish. Funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 11 am in St. Ninians Cathedral, Rev. Danny MacLennan presiding. Burial in the parish cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. Martha's Regional Hospital Palliative Care Unit.