Bateston
Jim Hiltz, age 84, passed away peacefully at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, with his loving family by his side.
Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Theresa (Mullins); sons Paul (Jody) and Jason (Carrie); six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
The six grandchildren, which was his pride and joy who had the pleasure of calling him ‘Poppy’ are James (Tasha), Josh (Allie), Jerritt, Brooke (Ryan), Ellie, and Kurtis. His great-granddaughter, Sadie Lynn, who lovingly called him ‘Poppy Jim’. Exactly how he wanted.
Jim was born in Louisbourg. He was predeceased by his parents, Jim and Katherine (McIntyre), and his sisters Annie, Kathy, and Mary.
A First-Class Carpenter by trade, Jim worked for many years at the Fortress of Louisbourg and later with Veterans Affairs Canada, retiring after thirty-two years of service with the federal government.
He cherished his time at his camp on Belfry Lake—fishing, hunting, and enjoying the company of his boys and his grandchildren.
Jim was a founding member of the Bateston Athletic Club, serving for 56 years. He was also active in the Parish Council, the building committee, and the Cape Breton Woodcrafters Association, where he was a member for over 40 years and served as president. The group, taught by Master Craftsman Leo MacNeil, met regularly on Tuesday nights and passed on traditional woodworking techniques.
In addition to crafting furniture, Jim created beautifully intricate turnings on the lathe, which he proudly sold at craft fairs in Sydney and across mainland Nova Scotia. He also shared his skills with others by teaching night school woodworking classes at the Ashby Complex.
His legacy of craftsmanship, kindness, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Visitation and Funeral Mass to celebrate the life of James Hiltz will be held at Immaculate Conception Church on Monday, July 7, 2025. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the Funeral Mass to follow at 2 p.m., with Fr. IK and Fr. Bill Burke officiating. Interment will take place at the parish cemetery. Following the interment, a reception in Jim’s honour will be held at the Bateston Athletic Club, Bateston.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of James may be made to the Immaculate Conception Cemetery fund or The Parkinson Society of Nova Scotia.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
Sending my sincere sympathy to Theresa and her sons and grandchildren and great grandchild on the passing of their love one. May all the good memories you hold dear in your hearts help through this difficult time. Jim was a great man kind loving and soft spoken. God bless you all.
RIP: JAMES HILTZ
From: Alice Theriault
Dear Theresa, Paul, Jason & family, Sending our deepest sympathies on Jimmy’s death. He was a sweet man and always kind and generous to us when we visited. I am glad we have some of his beautiful bowls and stools in our home to always remember him. Rosalie & Cherrie & family
From: Rosalie, Cherrie, & family
Theresa Paul Jason & Families
A sad day in the Bryan house hold on PEI hearing of the loss of my best friend – to think I was speaking with him Jimmie on Sunday evening – planning my visit to Cape Breton – next day I learned that he had passed. We will be in Cape Breton on Monday to express our Sincere Sympathy personally. Friends like Jimmie cannot be replaced – memories will last forever Florian & Marlene
From: Florian Bryan
Theresa and family, sending heartfelt sympathy on Jim’s passing. His talent is on display in a lot of homes (including ours). He certainly will be missed.
Catherine and I offer our sincerest condolences to your family, sorry for your loss, He will be missed
Dear Teresa and family,
I am so deeply saddened to hear of your loss of Jim. He was such a kind and loving soul, I only have fond memories of him. You both always made me feel so welcome in your home. Cherish the wonderful memories and I am thinking and praying for you all during this difficult time of loss. Much love to you all.
Theresa, Paul, Jason and families; We are so sorry to hear of Jimmy’s passing. We will keep you in our prayers and offer a mass of remembrance for Jimmy. Pat and Bernard Mullins
Theresa and Family – very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing – he certainly will be missed.
Theresa, Paul, Jason and Families: We are saddened to read of Jim’s passing and are sending our sincerest condolences. He was just a wonderful, humble and respectful man, always with a smile and a pleasure to be around, he will certainly be missed by all who knew him. We wish you peace that brings comfort to you, courage to face the difficult days ahead and loving memories to hold in your hearts forever.
Theresa
and family so sorry to hear of Jimmy,s passing our prayers and thoughts are with you.
To Theresa and family,I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing.My wife Brenda worked with Jim for many years at Veterans Affairs Canada and I know she thought the world of Jim.I got to know Jim through Brenda and I thought the same as she did about Jim.I still have the beautiful wood flower vase he made for her one year.We did get to talk to Jim when he was at the Northside hospital in a room across from Brenda last year.He was a wonderful man and will be missed dearly.
To Teresa, Paul, Jason, and Family.
Herewith our condolences on the passing away of Jim.
We remember him as a handy craftsman when we lived in Bateston.
We wish you all the strength for the coming days.
Louise and Hans Pennock in Northern Ontario, Blind River
Theresa , Paul & Jason & families , I’m so sorry to hear of Jim passing . He was a kind and gentle man & always had time for a chat whenever you met up with him . My condolences to you all . My prayers are with you!! 🙏🙏🙏❤️
Prayers of comfort for Theresa and the entire family. Jimmy was a wonderful man.
Theresa, Paul, Jason, Family Members and Friends. So very sad to read of Jimmy’s passing. I worked with Jimmy and his close friend Allan MacLeod at Fortress Louisbourg for a period of time during the restoration years. That friendship continued for decades. Both of these Fine Gentlemen had a very positive impact on my personal development during future years. Jimmy was a dedicated family man, he was loyal, honest, and truly entertaining with highly skilled wood working abilities. In summation, James Berkeley (Jimmy) Hiltz was First Class in every respect. Rest in Peace My Friend.
Condolences to the families. RIP You will be missed.
Theresa and family, I would like to pass on my sincere condolences to all of you on your loss. I worked with Jim at Veterans Affairs prior to his retirement. I would run into him on occasion at the crafts shows where he had his beautiful creations on display. I still have a carved house address sign he made for me years ago. He was a kind, gentle soul who would greet you with a warm smile and I know he will be missed dearly.
Theresa and family
Sincere condolences to all. Jim and Cal met at Harbourview Hospital during their recovery period. A finer gentleman than Jim will not be found. He made Cal’ s days more enjoyable with their amusing banter. And Cal will treasure the beautiful cribbage board Jim crafted. Rest in peace Jim. A short relationship but memorable.
Sincere condolences to Theresa, Paul, Jason and families on the loss of Jimmy, husband, father & grandfather. Thoughts and prayers, may he RIP. A kind and gentle man! Sorry for your loss, Judy & Roger Magee
Theresa and family ….So very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing .may all the wonderful memories give you peace now and in the coming days . May he rest peacefully in the arms of Jesus . Our deepest condolences, Raymond and Rosie Lahey
Dear Theresa and family,
Joan and I send our deepest condolences.
Our prayers are with you always / Rosaries & Divine Mercies.
God Bless,
Love
John Wayne & Joan
Theresa and family, our condolences to you and families. Jimmy and his parents and sisters were great friends with our family, lots of good remembrances to look back on.