James McCann

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.