Jim St. Clair of MacFarlane Farm, Mull River, Mabou passed away on May 11 at the age of 90 in Inverness Hospital, with family by his side and surrounded by love of distant family members. His wisdom, humor and storytelling enriched the lives of many, from friends and family to students, colleagues and community members across Cape Breton. He will be sorely missed. Born in Lynn Massachusetts 21 November 1930, James Otis St. Clair was the son of Byron W. and Louise (Marsh) St. Clair. His mother, Louise was the daughter of Susan MacFarlane of Mull River and Clarence Otis Marsh of Massachusetts. Both sides of the family were Scottish in origin; the St. Clairs had come to Massachusetts in the 1750’s, the MacFarlanes to Cape Breton some 70 years later. Jim was the last descendant of several immigrant families from the Isle of Mull to reside in Mull River. A graduate of Harvard College and Graduate School, he taught and inspired generations of students, from New Canaan, Connecticut to Mabou Consolidated and University College of Cape Breton - from which he received an Honorary Doctorate Degree. His love of history, culture and stories led him to become a community historian in his later years. For more than three decades, he provided a weekly radio program on CBC Sydney highlighting historical events and people of Cape Breton. He wrote newspaper columns for the Inverness Oran, the Victoria Standard and the Inverness County Participaper for many years. He researched and provided the genealogical history of 50 pioneer families of Mabou area in Mabou Pioneer, Book Two. He authored and co-authored four books published by Cape Breton University Press concerning Cape Breton people and culture, including a children’s book on the immigration experience in collaboration with the Nova Scotia Highland Village. He was active in the community throughout his life, with a particular focus on preserving and celebrating the rich history of Cape Breton. He served as chair of the board of the Nova Scotia Museum Association, was a long-time board member and chair of the Highland Village, and a founding member of the Mabou Gaelic Historical Society, Orangedale Station Association, Cape Breton Museum Connection and the Inverness County Council of the Arts. For a number of years, he was a board member of the Regional Development Agency of the area and recording secretary for Mabou Communications Ltd (Post Office). Active for many years in the United Church of Canada, he was an official Advisor/Supervisor for several candidates studying for the ministry. He was also an avid naturalist who loved exploring forests, rivers and ocean beaches - a passion he passed along to generations of family members and many of his students. Through his initiative, a 300 acre old growth forest that was part of his family inheritance became The MacFarlane Woods, a Provincial Protected Area. Jim St Clair is survived by nieces Susan Hansen (Douglass West), Louise Mack, Gloria Mack and Kristin Schafer (Jim Mack), and nephews Thomas Mack and Jim Mack (Kristin), as well as brother-in-law George Mack and several grandnephews and nieces who adore him. His survivors also include many cousins including the Smiths of Inverness, the Rankins of Mull River and Mabou, the "Kelly" MacDonalds of Stewartdale, Peter (Francesca) Webber and David St. Clair. He was predeceased by nephews James St. Clair and David Mack, brother Byron St. Clair, sisters Julie St. Clair and Elizabeth (St Clair) Mack, and his longtime feline companion Max. Many close friends were very important in his life, including A.J. and Juanita Campbell of Mabou Ridge, the Wrights and Franks of Mull River, Angie Smith, Rev. Donna Tourneur and Rev. Nancy Price, Carole Chisholm, Kendra MacKenzie, the Harding family, Donald Dunbar, Pauline MacLean, Rodney Chaisson, members of the staffs of CBC, Inverness Oran, Highland Village, and many others. The boundless curiosity, commitment, thoughtfulness and joy he brought to so many for so long will be forever treasured. Jim asked that in his memory contributions be made to the Mission and Service Fund of the United Church, the Nova Scotia Highland Village or Mabou An Drochaid Museum. A virtual Funeral will be held on Tuesday, May 18th at 2:00 with Rev. Donna Tourneur officiating. Visit the Haverstock Funeral Home webpage for live links: Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88407482764 Meeting ID: 884 0748 2764 facebook live: https://www.facebook.com/opendoors151 youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzJlnzDQ8MgcdrjrRQ1-oSw Family and friends will organize a celebration of his life in the future when gathering is possible. Service Information Service Date Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Service Time 2 p.m. Service Location Virtual Funeral Service with links available in obituary Burial Information Burial Date At a later date