Obituary of James 'Jim' Joseph Andre Roussy

James Joseph André Roussy

Port Hastings Nova Scotia

August 10,1971- December 2, 2024

It is with broken hearts that we say goodbye to our beloved Jim (AKA Jimmy, Jimbo, Jimster, Cockroach, and more recently Kool-Aid).

Jim was born and raised in Port Hawkesbury by loving parents Jerry, and Theresa Roussy. He was Jody's big brother, whom he loved dearly despite typical sibling squabbles involving the occasional WWF moves. Jim swam competitively for many years with the Port Hawkesbury Thunderbolts and achieved success, especially in the Butterfly and Medley events. He played school sports including soccer and basketball for the SAERC Saints and often recalled fond memories of fun times and adventures with teammates. 

After graduating, Jim began his Bachelor of Business Administration at UCCB and later transferred and completed his degree at STFX. It was a very proud moment for him and his family. 

That same year, Jim married his best friend and soulmate, Heather. They moved to Connecticut to begin their married lives and start a family.  They were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Rebecca, who was truly Jim’s absolute pride and joy.

With a strong desire to raise Rebecca close to family, they returned to Cape Breton. Jim worked for several employers locally and out West, until finding a job he loved at Martin Marietta where he picked up the nickname Kool Aid. 

In addition to his work, Jim returned to the swim team as a coach. He started coaching while Rebecca was swimming, which left him beaming with pride, and he continued coaching for several years following. He truly loved seeing his swimmers succeed in and out of the pool. He made connections with swimmers and coaches from all over the province and wholeheartedly enjoyed this role.

In his free time, Jim could usually be found with Heather. They enjoyed many adventures and lots of laughs with their Hiking friends. Jim was the kind of person who always made sure that everyone made it safely across the brooks and streams, lending a hand if needed. Jim’s nieces and nephew enjoyed the annual ‘Adventures with Uncle Jim’ each summer. Jim’s other hiking partner was their beautiful dog, Ella. The loss of Ella in May 2024 was profound and Jim missed her dearly. 

Jim was so very proud of Rebecca, as he saw her grow up to be a beautiful, kind, and intelligent young woman. They shared many inside jokes, special memories, and secret handshakes. He was profoundly saddened to be missing many more proud moments and life events with his much-loved Boo. 

Jim’s newest love was Pickleball. He loved everything about it-period. He enjoyed a good competitive game, while also having fun, (sometimes doing the ‘Jimmy Shimmy’) and was supportive of those who were learning.  He made great connections with fellow players especially Paul, his Provincial PB teammate. He may not have come home with a medal, but the experience was golden.

All of Jim’s family are heartbroken at the loss of this great son, brother, husband, father, and uncle. His parents, Jerry and Theresa Roussy, Pomquet; wife of 26 years, Heather (Brander) Port Hastings; daughter, Rebecca (Rory); sister, Jody Jensen(Bill) Shelburne; Nephew, Bryan Jensen; Nieces, Rachel and Laura Jensen;  Aunt Pat Stamp, Truro, Aunt Kathleen Munro (Bob)  Lower Sackville, Uncle Laurence (late Marie) Roussy, Florida, Aunt Donna (late Bobby) MacNaughton, Trenton, Aunt Frances (late Stevie) Roussy, Trenton, Uncle Michael Roussy St John NB, Aunt Heather Roussy, Trenton as well as many special cousins who he enjoyed dropping in to see when doing his Trenton drive-throughs. Jim was predeceased by his Aunt Ginette (Roussy) and Uncle Butch Duguay, maternal and paternal grandparents. 

In keeping with Jim’s wishes, his remains have been cremated. There will be an informal celebration of life at Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury on Saturday, December 7th from 4 pm to 8 pm. This will be a time for family and friends to come together, spend time, share stories, and hopefully a laugh or two. Jim had a great sense of humor and would have enjoyed hearing about fond memories from years past.

The family asks in lieu of flowers, if you are inclined to make a donation, please consider the Cathy’s Place Cancer Resource Room fund or Saint Martha’s Palliative Care. Both funds can be supported through the Saint Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation: smrhfoundation.com.

The family also wishes to express their most heartfelt thanks to the following: Saint Martha’s Oncology department, Cape Breton Cancer Centre teams, the Saint Martha’s Diagnostic Imaging Department (with special thanks to Cody), and the Saint Martha’s Palliative Care staff. Your compassionate and skilled care made a very difficult time, the very best it could have been.

To honor Jim’s memory please hold your family close and cherish your time together, find humor even during difficult times, and choose adventure when possible. 

We love you more, Jim. You will never be forgotten.

Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com