James "Jimmy" Allen Izzard, age 77, was called home to Jesus peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on March 14th, 2025 at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre.
Jimmy was strong willed with an enormous heart, a wonderful sense of humor and a smile so bright it would light up any room. He was cherished for how deeply he cared for the people around him.
Jimmy was born February 22nd, 1948, to parents, the late Patricia "Joyce" Borden and James "Jim" Desmond. Jimmy grew up in a loving household, adopted and raised by Isabel Izzard Sr. and the late James Izzard Sr., "Jim Beef", in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia.
Jimmy was a football athlete, rugby player and student council member throughout school. After graduating from New Glasgow High in 1966, he went on to become the first black police officer on the New Glasgow Police Force in Pictou County, a great honor to his family and self. Jimmy operated a night club/disco called the Starlight Disco and Grill and continued to go on coaching the Starlight baseball team, one of the only black baseball teams. In later years, Jimmy became a baptized member at the Second United Baptist Church and served on the board of trustees. He was an employee of Trenton Works, Hawker Siddley. On the course of his journey in life, Jimmy became involved in the Masonic Lodge and worked as an employee at the family owned and operated, Izzards’ Grocery, helping families in need. Later, he took on the Izzards’ estate of the store and property manager of the Izzards’ real estate.
On free time, Jimmy loved watching westerns, being part of bowling/dart leagues and fishing with his childhood lifelong friends: Charlie (Jake) Jordan, Russell Borden and (predeceased) Dink Paris and Lester Borden.
Jimmy went on to have children. He was predeceased by Larry Pelly and James Allen Izzard. He is survived by sons: Larry Dorrington, Greg MacLean; daughters: Sharon MacLean, Isabel Izzard and Donna Moskalenco; grandchildren: Jermain Barteaux, Ayzha MacLean, Jakholbie MacLean, Taurean MacLean, Muriko Izzard, Murtriko Izzard, Muresia Izzard and Chase Moskalenco; great-grandchildren: Tyson Barteaux, Vance Barteaux, Josiah Walker, Jairus Walker, Aiauna Graham, and Jesiah Izzard; Goddaughter, Jenniffer Clyke. He was also predeceased by brother, Clayton Borden; sisters: Susan Borden, Carmen Desmond and Francis Borden; former wife, Nancy (Paris) Izzard. Surviving are brothers: Edward Borden (Becky), Aurthor Borden, Dave Borden, Robert Borden (Sharon), Steven Borden and Murry Desmond; sisters: Janice Borden (Mike), Nancy Borden, Carol Desmond, Nancy Desmond, Laura Desmond, Candace Desmond, Sandra Desmond and Jean Desmond; uncle, Charles Borden Sr; aunt, Theresa Borden. He is survived by longtime partner and beloved fiancée, Carmel Chisholm.
Jimmy will be remembered for all the love he shared with his friends and family and will be missed greatly beyond words.
The family would like to express our deepest thanks to the staff at Colchester East Hants Palliative Care Unit and to the Dialysis Unit in Pictou.
Visitation will be held at R.H. Porter Funeral Home, 55 Almont Ave, New Glasgow, 1-2pm, Friday, March 28th followed by service at 2pm at the funeral home with Deacon Brian Bowden officiating. Reception to follow with burial in Lorne Street Cemetery. The service was recorded. A link is below. In lieu of flowers, the family request, donations be made to the Pictou Dialysis Unit that Jimmy felt so strongly about.
"Happy Fishing"