Jim Connors' Obituary

CONNORS, James L., Q.C.CONNORS, James L., Q.C. - 52, Dartmouth.

Following a life of service and advocacy, Jim passed away at home with his immediate family with him on Thursday, April 3, 2008. He was the loving and attentive husband of Cathy (Cunningham) and the father of his treasured children, Paul, Lunenburg; Lauren, Dartmouth, and Patrick, Dartmouth. Born on December 8, 1955 in Dartmouth, he was the son of the late John Thomas Connors, Q.C. and Doris Elizabeth (Esson) Connors. He was the brother of Charlene Connors, Chilliwack; Nicole Connors and Camille Stokoe (Tim), Edmonton; Charles Connors (Melissa), Fort Saskatchewan. He is also loved and remembered by parents-in-law, Ron and Marg Cunningham, and sisters-in-law, JoAnn Cunningham (Gordon Page), Mary Barron, Carol Cunningham and Clare (Shawn) O'Brien, and nieces and nephews, Laura, Nigel, Kelsie, Andrew, Nicholas, Dennis, Sarah, Mitchell, Emma and Jack. A lifelong resident of Dartmouth, Jim was educated at Dartmouth High School, Memorial University of Newfoundland (BA '76), and the University of British Columbia, (LL.B '79). He was called to the Nova Scotia Bar in April 1980 and was named Queen's Counsel in 1997. His professional career was of one of leadership and integrity. He was, at the time of his passing, the Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, Emera and had been the Vice President, Legal and External Affairs, Sempra. Prior to moving to the energy business, he had been a respected and admired Partner with Boyne Clarke. He had also served as a special constable with the RCMP in the Yukon and British Columbia during law school. During his legal career, he appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada, Federal Court of Canada, Nova Scotia Court of Appeal, Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, Court Martial Appeal Board of Canada, National Energy Board, Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, Nova Scotia Labour Board, along with other commissions and panels. His appearances before all such bodies were marked by thoroughness and well-prepared and thoughtful arguments. His successful appearance before the Supreme Court of Canada resulted in cameras being permitted in the Nova Scotia Legislature. His commitment to his fellow citizens is reflected in his extensive civic involvement to make our community a better place. Among these are: Alderman, City of Dartmouth 1985-91 (did not re offer); Commissioner, Dartmouth District School Board, 1985-1990, including a term as Chair. Other organizations with which he enjoyed a relationship include the Wee Care Child Care Centre, Chair of the Board; Dartmouth Whalers Minor Hockey Association, Registrar and Board member; Columbarium Business Plan Committee, Christ Church; Alderney Landing, Board member; Dartmouth North Community Centre, Honorary Trustee; Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative Party, President; Metro United Way, Vice President and Board Member; Dartmouth Senior Citizens Capital Campaign, Chair; Canadian Diabetes Association, Annual Campaign, Chair; the Christ Church Restoration Campaign, Chair; Habitat for Humanity - Halifax-Dartmouth as a founding Board Member; Dartmouth Heritage Museum, Board member, and Discovery Centre, Board Member. He provided his time and expertise to many other groups including court training for social workers, fundraising projects for other groups including Legal Aid and assisted REACH Nova Scotia's Volunteer Lawyer program for persons with disabilities. He spoke at conferences, events and at schools on topics ranging from employment law to drug testing. He continued to serve the law by regularly presenting in support of legal education from laws schools to high schools. More recently he was asked to serve on the national boards of the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada, the Cancer Advocacy Coalition of Canada and the Canadian Cancer Society-Nova Scotia Division. His focus with these groups was on helping others. He had been widely recognized with numerous awards for his insight, expertise, and charitable work all combined with a brilliant intellect and a quick wit and sense of humour. He enjoyed a special relationship with St. Nicholas during the Christmas holidays at Christ Church services for children. Jim was a keen supporter of hockey, soccer, baseball games and the musical pursuits of his children. He will be remembered by many as perhaps the most successful ice cream seller at the Highland Games in Halifax and in Antigonish, which he did in support of the Dartmouth and District Pipe and Drum Band. Jim was an avid and voracious reader and enjoyed camping and travel with family and friends. He conducted himself always with passion, compassion, commitment and humour. This great husband, father, and friend will be missed, and his life is an example for us to follow. Visitation will be in Christ Church Parish Hall, 21 Dundas St., Dartmouth, on Sunday, April 6, from 2-5 p.m. Services will be in Christ Church, Ochterloney and Wentworth Streets, Dartmouth, at 2 p.m., Monday, April 7, Archdeacon Paul Smith will officiate. Arrangements have been entrusted to Dartmouth Funeral Home. Jim's ashes will be interred at the Christ Church Columbarium immediately following the service with a reception to follow in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's memory can be made to Christ Church, Wee Care Developmental Centre or Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada. On-line condolences should be sent to: jimconnors@ns.sympatico.ca