With profound sadness we announce the passing of our dear father William James (Jim) Gallant. Jim was born in St. Stephen, NB August 21st, 1942. Jimmy as he was known in childhood was the first son of James Donald Gallant and Irene M Parks-Gallant. He grew up along with his elder sister Donna Roos, and younger brothers Gerald (Jerry) - Deceased and Richard (Dick).
Early in Jim’s life the family lived in the family town home on Marks St. eventually moving to the new family farm on Donald Road. Jim attended St. Stephen High School (SSHS) where he loved and excelled at athletics. Jim played many sports but especially loved basketball and track and field where he broke several provincial records. After high school Jim went on to attend UNB where he graduated and went on to achieve his goal of becoming a physical education (PE) teacher.
Jim taught PE at schools in Saint John until the early 1980’s when he decided to relocate back to his home town to be closer to family and where Jim helped out with farm, attending to the cattle and apple business. Jim also worked as a substitute teacher at SSHS and had several side jobs. He was also a local basketball referee, umpire for softball games and participating in numerous adult sports leagues.
Jim was always known for his kindness towards others, his unpretentiousness, warm, welcoming smile and kind words and a special soft spot for all animals. Jim always had a pet dog, usually named ‘Lady’.
Towards the end of his life Jim dealt with copd, emphysema, and dementia all with remarkable grace. Jim passed away peacefully at the Charlotte County Hospital on Wednesday, March 15th, 2023 he was 80 years at the time of his passing.
Jim is survived by his 4 children and their families; David (Michelle) Gallant, Cynthia Gallant, Adam (Darci) Ingersoll, Tammie Ingersoll. His grandchildren Mishelle, Nathan, Cassie, James, and Alex.
We invite you to join us at The S.O. Mehan & Son Funeral Home, 23 Main Street. St. Stephen, NB on Saturday, May 20th between 1-3 PM to remember our father William James "Jim" Gallant. Join us as we remember his kind, endlessly energetic spirit, infectious laughter, and the memories he left with all of us.
If you are looking to make a donation to a cause dear to Jim’s, please consider donating to either your local pet shelter https://www.facebook.com/CCAnimalShelter/ , The Lung Association https://lung.ca or The Alzheimer’s Society of New Brunswick https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/3369?v2=true