WALLACE JAMES JIMMO
June 2, 1937 - March 19, 2021
It is with great sadness that his family announces the death of Wallace James Jimmo, 83, husband of Elaine (Kelly) Jimmo. Wally died peacefully Friday, March 19, 2021 at home in Miramichi, surrounded by family.
Wally was born in Escuminac, NB June 2, 1937, son of Raymond and Catherine (McIntyre) Jimmo. He graduated from St Thomas High School in Chatham in 1955, and then from St Thomas University in Chatham with a Bachelor of Arts in 1959. He obtained a Bachelor of Education from St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, NS in 1960.
Wally began his career in 1960 as a teacher at St Thomas High School. After three years he moved to Alma, Quebec where he taught for five years. He then returned to Chatham and taught at District 10 High School and James M. Hill Memorial High School until his retirement in 1995. During this time also touched the lives of many students through his coaching the baseball and hockey teams.
Wally was a family man, dedicated to his wife, Elaine and their three children. He was extremely proud of his seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He especially loved to spend time with them in the summer, at their cottage in Bartibog.
After family, Wally’s great passions were baseball and music. He was a member of the Chatham Senior Ironmen baseball team from the age of fifteen. He had a distinguished career, best known for his pitching prowess, but also played many infield positions. He was inducted into the Miramichi Sports Wall of Fame in 1994. In 1958-59 he was the St Thomas Hockey Athlete of the Year.
A self-taught accordion player and fiddler, he played music up and down the Miramichi for over forty years as the accordion player in the bands Mixed Company, Sons of the River, The Retired Five and Miramichi Ceilidh. He was also a member of the Miramichi Fiddlers. He especially enjoyed playing at the Miramichi Irish Festival and monthly engagements at the Miramichi Senior Citizens' Home.
Wally was proud to call the Miramichi his home and was especially proud of his Irish heritage. He was a man of deep faith and was a long time parishioner of St. Michael’s Basilica in Chatham. Never one to sit still, he was an avid gardener and wine-maker.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years Elaine and their three children: Beth Jimmo (Dan Kenealy), Nicole Hogan (Louie Hogan) and Paul Jimmo. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren: Megan, Matthew and Michael McCarthy and Peter, Laura, Brian and Molly Kenealy. In addition, spicing up recent years were four great-grandchildren Ava, Jace, Lainey and Rylan. He is predeceased by his infant daughter Karen, parents Raymond and Catherine Jimmo, as well as siblings Louis Jimmo and Mary Wiseman.
The family wishes to express special thanks to Extra-Mural Hospital staff, whose support allowed him to remain at home throughout his prolonged illness. In addition, special thanks to friends and neighbors in Miramichi, whose kind visits and generosity were a great source of comfort.
A wake will be held Tuesday March 23, 2-4pm and 7-9pm at Maher’s Funeral Home, 35 University Avenue, Miramichi. Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life will be officiated by Father John Keoughan at 11am Wednesday, March 24 at St. Michael's Basilica, Miramichi.
As an expression of sympathy a donation may be made to the James M Hill High School Scholarship Committee in Wally's name.
As per COVID-19 regulations, face masks and social distancing are mandatory.