Obituaries

Corbett, James "Jim" Wayne Age 81 of Halifax, Nova Scotia

It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Jim Corbett on June 17, 2024, at his home in Spryfield.

Jim was born in Westville, Nova Scotia. He spent his formative years there and having completed his grade 8 education, he began the first of his many life adventures by joining the Bill Lynch shows, touring Atlantic Canada.

Jim's next adventure led him to choosing to serve his country by enlisting in the Armed Forces. He trained as an Army Engineer , serving 2 tours in Germany, as well as posts on both the East and West Coasts of Canada. Jim was then trained as one of the first Army Clearance Divers and eventually remustered to serve as a Navy Clearance Diver. His career spanned 17 yrs.

Upon retirement from active Military service, his next chapter comprised of training as a machinist and spending the next 17 years working in the HMC Dockyard Halifax. Jim excelled in his field, receiving recognition for his innovative ideas and creative solutions, which resulted in substantial cost saving for the federal government on specific projects. During this time, he also began selling Christmas trees . For 20 years, each December he would set up a tree lot on his property. He was well known for his beautiful trees and going above and beyond for his many repeat customers.

Jim loved the water. He owned several powerboats , meticulously refurbishing each one to its original glory. Once retired permanently, his many boating adventures led him and Elaine to spending much enjoyed time in Florida and the Carolinas, making lifelong friends along the way. Jim's superior skills in navigation and engineering enabled him to pilot boats for others as well. His last trip from the USA to the Canadian Great Lakes was completed in September 2022 , at the age of 79.

Jim was a decades long member of the Armdale Yacht Club. He loved every aspect of the boating life and community. He volunteered his time serving on committees and assisting others with their boating needs. He was generous with his time and talents. Jim's final boat, The Last One "Maybe", was indeed his last one, having been sold in 2021.

Jim had many talents, too numerous and varied to mention. He could build or fix just about anything. He was meticulous in every task he set out to do, regardless of complexity. He lived by the motto that it had to be done right or not at all.

Jim led a very full and storied life. Jim loved to share the tales of his escapades with others, usually with a glass of rum in hand, and he would have everyone in stitches. While he had many who would call him a friend, the one constant through all the adventures life brought his way was his best friend of 50+ yrs, Neil Connors. They were the best of friends and were always there for each other, through thick and thin.

It is difficult to capture the essence of the man Jim was in just a few short paragraphs. His legacy will shine brightly in all the lives he has touched over the years.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Elaine Corbett ( Roche), his children, Jay(Tara) and Stacey (John) , twin granddaughters, London and Kennedy and many nieces and nephews.
Jim was the last surviving member of his childhood family.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Armdale Yacht Club on July 16th, 2024 starting at 2pm. Join us in raising a glass and sharing memories of Jim. A private family burial will take place at a later date.

See the line where the sky meets the sea? It calls me. And no one knows how far it goes.
-Moana