James "Pokey" Melanson, 83 years of age, of Springhill, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 31, 2019 at the All Saints Hospital, Springhill with his family by his side. Born in Springhill, he was a son of the late Paul & Rozie (Henwood) Melanson.
Pokey worked for 25 years with Corrections Canada, retiring as a supervisor. In his younger years he worked in the Springhill Coal mines, then joined the Army. He was a baseball coach for over 35 years in Springhill. He was a Past President of the Springhill Minor Baseball Association. He was past president and coach of the Springhill Minor Hockey Association. He received the Maritimer of the week award from CTV. Pokey was inducted in the Nova Scotia Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002. He was a retired member of the Springhill Volunteer Fire Department. Pokey was an avid Toronto blue Jay fan and Toronto Maple Leafs fan.
Jim will be sadly missed by his daughter Sherry Roy (Kevin) of Hunts Point, NS, sons, Rick (Marilyn) of Springhill, NS, Jim (Sandra) of Greenwood NS, Kevin (Chrissy) of Springhill, NS; several grandchildren, & several great grandchildren,brothers, John (Eileen) of Riverview, NB, Jerry (Joyce) of Springhill, NB, special companion pet , Amy.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Jewell , son Bill., brothers, Wayne, Freddie, sister, Mona Pettigrew.
Arrangements have been entrusted to A H Brown Funeral Home, 5 McFarlane St., Springhill, NS (902-597-2361) where visiting hours will take place on Monday, June 3, 2019 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at the Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre, Springhill on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at 2 p.m. Burial to take place in the Hillside Cemetery, Springhill, NS.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre and the All Saints Hospitals for their care of dad in these last few weeks and to the neighbors and special friends who provided care and support to dad after mom passed.
Those wishing to make a donation in Pokey's memory may do so to the Springhill Minor Baseball Association. Sharing of memories and condolences may be made to the family by visiting Pokey's online memorial at www.brownsfuneralhome.com or though the A.H. Brown Funeral Home Facebook Page.