James Duplisea

James Lewis Duplisea

July 22, 1948 – July 14, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of James Lewis Duplisea, in his sleep, on July 14, 2026, after a prolonged chronic illness.

Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary Carolyn Duplisea (née McLaughlin). They were married on September 11, 1976, at Sacred Heart Parish in Norton, New Brunswick, and shared 28 years of marriage until her passing, when he held her hand until the end.

He was also predeceased by his parents-in-law, Joseph and Theresa McLaughlin of Norton, New Brunswick. He is survived by his many McLaughlin brothers- and sisters-in-law: Danny (Vicky) of Bellisle Creek; Kevin (Deborah) of Southfield; Joe (Lynn) of Southfield, New Brunswick; Patrick (Natasha) of Quispamsis, New Brunswick; Sharon (David) Miller of Southfield, New Brunswick; and Linda of Norton, New Brunswick.

He is survived by his son, James Kevin, and grand-dog Gordie of Dartmouth, NS. Jim, Carolyn, and Kevin were long-time parishioners of Saint Anne’s Roman Catholic Church, Glen Falls. Jim worked tirelessly for over 40 years as a proud member of Local 900, providing for his family through decades of dedicated labour.

He was predeceased by his parents, Bernice (née Gillett) and Murry Duplisea, his sisters Nancy, Donna, and Sandra (Harold), his brothers-in-law Kevin Campbell, Jerry Moore, and Robert Steele, and his very special niece Shawna (Campbell) McCumber and daughter Lauren. He is also survived by his brothers William (Frances) of Mount Middleton, Robert “Bob” Duplisea (Judy), and Joseph (Catherine) of Base Road; his sisters Helen and Karen (Tim) both of Saint John, Debbie (Neil) Sherwood of Upham; his goddaughter Michelle (Blaine) Chantler; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Jim was a man of few words, but you never had to wonder what was on his mind. A natural agitator, he loved nothing more than teasing his nieces and nephews and treasured the time spent hunting and fishing with his son. He loved playing cards with his sister Helen — at least until NASCAR came on. He held a very special place in his heart for his sister Karen, who played a major role in caring for him in his later years. Because of the tireless efforts of Karen, his siblings, and some very special care workers, Jim was able to enjoy a quality of life that let him remain at home, where he felt comfortable and close to his late wife. He knew none of it would have been possible without their love and tenderness, and he loved Karen, his siblings, and his care workers dearly for it. There has never been a more loyal Toronto Maple Leaf’s fan than Jim — devoted despite decades of heartbreak and their repeated failures to seal the deal. He was also a die-hard Jimmy Johnson NASCAR fan and an unwavering George Jones devotee.

The years following Carolyn’s passing were not easy for Jim, but his faith never wavered. It is the strength of that same faith that will carry our family until we are reunited with him again.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the Halifax Gay Men’s Chorus online at https://www.hgmc.ca/donations/, by e-transfer to treasurer@hgmc.ca, or by cheque payable to Halifax Gay Men’s Chorus, PO Box 48085, Bedford, Nova Scotia B4A 3Z2.

Visitation for family and close friends will be held on Friday, July 17, from 2 to 4 PM. There will be no public viewing. A private Roman Catholic Mass and Christian burial will take place at a future date.