Obituaries

 

James (Jim) Wayne Corbett

Passed 06/17/2024

Text:

Obituary For James (Jim) Wayne Corbett

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

Condolences

  • 07/13/2024

    I me Jim in 1981 as class mates in a funded government program to re-educate adults for new careers. Jim and I were two of the better machinist students but he had that military discipline while I was a social butterfly. Jim came to school everyday with one thing in mind, learning a new trade and rarely took time away from a machine. Jim was the old man in our class and yet the only house party occured at his house. Maybe because he was the only one with a house. Jim had remodeled his old house in Spryfield into a beautiful home , working at night after spending the day in school. Over the years I would stop in to visit him any time I saw him in his yard which was often in the Summer because he was always working on something. In school he told navy stories and in later years it was always boating stories or about Florida and the Carolinas. He had an adventuresome life and did what had to be done right to the end. It is sad to hear that he passed but always comforting to know that he didn't suffer and didn't have time to complain about it. Always efficient, get the job done! Condolences to ELaine and his family.

  • 07/09/2024

    I just learned of Jim's passing from Dennis Harding and was shocked to hear this news. I had the good fortune to get to know Jim well during my many years at AYC. I was always working on TooNautie a 27 ft Bayliner and Jim was always there checking in on me or fetching a special tool he made to help me with a challenging fix. Someone mentioned a living legend and that he was and what a storied life lived to the fullest. I loved his stories and sipping a rum with Jim and Neil as they are some of the best memories of my boating life. In many ways he took this young enthusiastic boater and coached him into a worthy seamen. However, there was this one time that Jim made with me my first journey to Rogues Roost as the entrance to the roost can be tricky for a first timer but with Jim's guidance I knew things would be OK. As we entered the channel entrance he was firm on taking the left side of the small shoal but the sounder quickly closed in depth and we nicked my prop...well he could not believe what had just happened but after reflection I think he was just providing an education that I would never forget - stay to the right! I have never forgot that lesson. Jim you were loved in life and will be forever in my memory and without a doubt with all who knew you. Rest in Peace my friend. I know our old late friend Dave Hickey is holding the ball for all of us. Tie up alone side and have a heavenly glass of rum. Rest in Peace!

  • 07/08/2024

    Jim was a living legend in the Engineers, and a great role model to young lads like myself. Smart as a whip, respectful, an innovative problem solver, he was also a kind and genuine mentor. A showman always full of great stories he was a master at telling, he kept many in stitches until you were crying from laughter. Other lessons he told were life lessons, those of kindness, humility, honour and service. He manages so many lives into the one God gave him, what a great mentor he was. The very well written obituary does reflect Jim and his essence as he was from his humble beginnings. From our very large military family to yours, our sincere and deepest condolences. To you Jim: Rest while you can, until we all meet again at the lords table with our legions of brothers and sisters for the Grand Mess Diner, CHIMO

  • 07/06/2024

    colin and I, as others, the night he hopped on a chair and shared his eyeball for all to see. We still think about the bbqs that you,ronnie and Jimmy, did a bang up job on that lamb or was it goat? See you on the other side til then RIP Colin/Marilyn Campbell

  • 07/01/2024

    So saddened to learn of the loss of Jim. Charlie Hamm and Knobby Walsh are sitting in the Stern Club of HMCS Granby awaiting your arrival...Godspeed to you, sir.

  • 06/26/2024

    Our very deepest condolences to Elaine and the family! We were on "C" dock for many years and remember Jim well! He was always very friendly and had great stories to tell! Although no words can bring you comfort during this very difficult time, know that we are thinking of you and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers! -Joe and Charlotte Lichter

  • 06/26/2024

    My deepest condolences to Elaine and family. Jim was always and will always be a bright light in everyone's life who had the pleasure of knowing him. Sending love and prayers to family and friends.

  • 06/25/2024

    So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was a friendly and a kind individual. Brian McKenzie

  • 06/25/2024

    The Canadian Military Engineers extend to you and your family our deepest sympathies in your time of sorrow with the passing of Jim Corbett. Major General D. Benjamin, CMM, CD (Retired) Colonel Commandant of the Canadian Military Engineers https://cmea-agmc.ca/cme-family-last-post

  • 06/25/2024

    My heartfelt condolences to Elaine and family for our collective loss. Jim was a longtime AYC friend. A tad "rough around the edges" at times, but a very intelligent, witty person with a "heart of gold" and always willing to help. I'll miss him, his storytelling and great sense of humour. Carl Goodwin

  • 06/25/2024

    Knew Jim from the Dockyard. He was one of a kind—condolences to family and friends. Keep on rocking in Heaven Jim. Brian D. Johnson

  • 06/25/2024

    My sincere condolences to Jim's Family. Marion Jones(late Don Jones wife)

  • 06/24/2024

    We were dock mates on "C" dock AYC for many years and enjoyed Jim's sense of humour and his always friendly smile. He will be remembered fondly. MK/ewc

  • 06/24/2024

    Deepest condolences to Jim's wife and family. He was truly exceptional and always brought a smile to the room.

  • 06/24/2024

    Dad is meeting you on the other side. May you rest in peace Uncle Jim. I just wish we had more time. Until we meet again.

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