James McCann
June 28th, 2023
James (Jim) McCann
I am sad to announce the death of Jim, the last week of June at the age of 72. We would have been married 52 years in August.
Jim was a born teacher. After a few years teaching in Australia, he taught 1 year in Langenburg. Small town life was great but he returned to Regina to finish his degree and worked a short time at SaskTel. He restarted his teaching career at Bosco Homes. There he made lifelong friends among staff and students alike. There was seldom a dull moment during that time, including teaching at the Jamboree grounds in Craven. When Bosco homes started to dismantle, he moved on to “subbing” with the separate school board before he moved into a new Special-Ed program at Athabasca school. After that he taught at Scott Collegiate, before finishing off his career at Cochrane High School.
He had a special way of teaching, especially English. Often years later we would hear a shout “Mr. McCann”, and a former student would give him a hug or a friendly punch
On retirement, he again did some subbing, worked part-time at NV OK Economy, and was a greeter at Canadian Tire. He discovered he loved seniors and they often sought him out in produce, just to visit.
At the beginning of 2020, after several strange health symptoms, he had open heart surgery in 2020, and then again in August of 2020. After that he had many health issues and visits to Emerg and the ward at the RGH. Finally he arrested at home and despite the heroic efforts of EMS, he was gone.
Jim is survived by his wife, Nancy, his miracle daughter, Natasha (Justin Helmeczi) and granddaughter Lake, his brother Bill (Janice) and 5 nieces and nephews on his side. He is also survived by all of Nancy’s 13 brothers and sisters, and many nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his parents, and in-laws, his oldest brother Pat, as well as 2 brothers in law, as well as his precious dogs, Wolfie and Karma
When Natasha was born he was ecstatic, a little girl in his life. He was so proud of her, and enjoyed playing with her, playing tricks on her even as a toddler, and going to all her activities, especially piano and dance recitals. She shared his love of music, and they went to many concerts together.
Messages:
We had so many laughs with Nancy & Jim when Doug was transferred to Regina for a short period of time. Nancy & I never knew what Doug and Jim would come up with next. Many wonderful memories! Love and condolences to you Nancy & Natasha.
So sorry to hear your loss of Jim, Nancy. May you be blessed with all the great memories. My condolences to you and family. Take care. Donna❤️
Nancy and family: I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the many memories. My prayers are with you.
Sorry for your loss.
So sorry to read about Jim, Nancy. I was on staff with Jim at Scott and Cochrane. Always a laugh and NEVER a dull moment hangin’ at school with Jim! I KNOW EVERYONE who knew Jim will MISS him!
My condolences Nancy and Natasha. Jim was a special guy and colleague. I was fortunate enough to have taught with Jim for many years at Cochrane High School. Rarely did a week past by that Jim had not played a joke on someone. Goodbye good friend.
Dear Nancy, So very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Our very deepest sympathy goes out to you and your entire family. Hugs! Take care. Darlene and Jack McHardy
Jim, what a life you had. I remember when you were a grade behind me at school in Admiral and were seated behind me and tried to copy my assignments. However, you were so much more intellectual than myself & soon discovered that yours were more advanced than mine! May you rest in peace and Nancy may you find comfort in your precious memories of Jim and slowly. . . . let the healing begin. ❤️❤️✝️✝️Erna Ball
Nancy sending you my condolences. Jim will not suffer anymore . Joanne Thomson ( neighbor from Eagle)
Jim, RIP We had a lot of fun times when you also lived in Australia. We’d meet at the beach if we had same day off & Nancy unfortunately had to work. I would get annoyed when the shark alarm went off, you being a better swimmer, you’d leave me to fend for myself. You would have been sorry if a shark got me. Many happy memories.
So sorry to hear that Jim passed away and my condolences to you and your family.I was a fellow teacher with Jim @Bosco Homes and was a pleasure to work with him.RIP my friend
Ed and I were so sorry to hear about Jim. Please accept my condolences.