Obituary of James Thomas Dingley

It is with deepest sadness that we announce the death of James (Jim) Thomas Dingley, April 4, 2012, at the Saint John Regional Hospital after a very brief illness, his children at his side. He was born October 30, 1931 in Ottawa. Beloved husband of Lorraine Joyce (Peever) Dingley of the Dr. V. A. Snow Centre, Hampton. Loving father of James (Jim Jr.) and Tammy Weaver (Robin Hamilton), both of Quispamsis. Precious grandfather of Melanie, Matthew, Amanda, Mark and Brett. Predeceased by his parents George and Claire Dingley; as well as brother Roy Dingley. Jim was loved and respected by many people. He worked as a Helicopter Engineer for the Canadian Coast Guard, Saint John Base, for 21 years until his retirement in 1988. Jim began his career in Ottawa as an Auto Mechanic then went to Ryerson College in Toronto to get his Aircraft Engineering Licence. He worked in the Arctic on the Mid Canada Line in the 1950s with Spartan Air Services on fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft. Jim also worked with Dominion Helicopters in Ottawa before moving to the Maritimes to join the Canadian Coast Guard. Jim loved his horses and had a small hobby farm in Gondola Point for many years. He also enjoyed model trains, carpentry work and restoring antique cars. With his good friend Bruce McCully he started the first Soap Box Derby in Quispamsis in the early 1990s. Jim taught himself to play the button accordion, much enjoyed by his children and later his grandchildren. He served on the Village of Gondola Point Planning Commission for several years. Jim was one of several residents involved with making the Gondola Point Recreation Centre and Playing Fields a reality. Jim and Lorraine traveled together for many years before her present illness. They enjoyed 60 years of marriage and were soul mates from the age of 17. Jim worshipped and worried over her even in his last words. He will be deeply missed by so many. As per Jim’s request, no visitation will be held. A memorial service will be held at the chapel of Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis, (506) 849-2119, on Saturday, April 7, 2012, at 2:00 PM. A reception will immediately follow the service, at the funeral home. Donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of NB or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. Online donations and condolences may be made at: www.kennebecasisfh.com