Sydney
James ‘Jim’ Bernard MacNeil, age 76, affectionately known as ‘Papa Jim’ passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, February 2, 2026, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Margie (Peck); daughter, Alanna (Brian) MacIntyre; son, Mike (Erin) MacNeil; grandchildren, Matthew, Cameron, and Andrew MacIntyre, Sloane, Fallon, and Keelin MacNeil.
Born on December 2, 1949, to the late Amos and Tina MacNeil, Jim grew up in Whitney Pier. He graduated from Dalhousie University with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. His career began in Glace Bay with Family Services and ended with Children’s Aide in Sydney. Quietly over the years, Jim mentored , counselled, and financially supported many clients.
Everyone who knew and loved Jim would attest to his generous, humorous and affectionate personality. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends joking and laughing. Many family vacations were taken over the years with close friends and their families. They were always a part of Jim’s fondest memories. He was most proud when attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and watching music videos with them.
Jim is also survived by his extended family, Helen MacPherson, Stuart (Leona), Billy (Joanne), Marion and David MacNeil, Loretta (George) Hynes, Manitoba, Diane and Donna Peck, Ontario, along with many nephews and nieces. Jim was predeceased by in-law’s, Joseph and Frances Peck, Buddy, Babe, Kevin and Bonnie Peck, and Lloyd MacPherson.
We would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff on 4B and Palliative Care at the CBRH along with family physician, Dr. Jim MacKillop for their care of Jim in his time of need.
Visitation for the late Jim MacNeil will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home, Whitney Pier, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street) from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026. Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Holy Redeemer Church on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 11 a.m. with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating.
For those unable to attend, Live Streaming will be available on our website. Click Here: https://fb.watch/wUXX30d8P9/
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to Diabetes Canada to support his granddaughters, Sloane and Keelin, who have been affected by this disease.
As Jim would always say to the many family and friends as they were leaving the house “Good night and take care of yourselves”.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
Margie and family. I am so sorry for your loss.I remember Jimso well. He was such a kind man. Please take care of your selves!
From: Elizabeth White
Deepest Condolences to you,Margie ,and your beautiful family. May you be comforted by the loving memories you’ve made over so many wonderful years. RIP Jim
From: Linda Catoul
Margie, Alana, Michael and extended family. We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We was a great guy who went out of his way to make people feel welcome. He will be missed and know Forrest and I are thinking of you and your family. Lana and Forrest.
From: Lana Huntley
Margie and family
Our deepest condolences on the loss of Jim.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
From: Charlotte & Wilf ingram
Please accept our sincere condolences and sympathy for your loss.
From: WINSTON and GLENNIS ABBOTT
Margie, my deepest condolences in the loss of of Jim. He certainly was a good man to have at your side. Treasure the memories with him and share his stories lovingly with your family. Hugs to you during this difficult period.♥️ Judy Knowlton, Dartmouth
From: Judy Knowlton
With our deepest sympathy
Margie, Alana, Michael and families
We are so sorry to be reading about Jim’s passing. Jim was a great person and a true gentleman who will be missed by all who know him. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. God bless… May he rest in peace ❤️
Our sincere condolences & sympathies for your loss. Jim was a great Family guy and friend to us. Lots of good stories and humour.
Margie Alana and family
The obituary gave a sense of a wonderful man . You will miss him so much
Our sincere condolences & sympathies for your loss. Jim was a great guy with humour and caring, easy to make friends! Family was an invaluable asset and was always available to be there for whatever. A huge loss for all indeed.
Margie, please accept my condolences on your loss. Jim sounds like he was a great match for you with his total involvement in family, children, and community.
Margie and Family I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. 🙏❤️
I’m so sorry to hear about Jim. He was always so kind to me when we were growing up. I’m thinking of you all and hoping your memories of your dad/husband will bring you some comfort in the days ahead.
Dear Margie, Alanna & Mike,
We are so very sorry that we are unable to be with you guys at this very difficult time. Jim was a great guy and we always enjoyed our family visits to Sydney. Jim will be missed by all who knew him and we will always keep memories of Jim close to our hearts. R.I.P. Jim!!
Loretta & George
I am lost for words Margie and your family.he was a wonderful guy,full of fun,and love for everyone.i know Louise is there to meet him he sure loved his family especially his grandchildren.rest in peace our friend love you all
So sorry we couldn’t be there for you during this time. So many wonderful memories have been flooding back from growing up. So grateful for all of you in our lives.
Much love from all of us. I can’t wait to see you all in August and have you finally meet the kids!
Sincerest condolences to Margie, Alanna & Mike on Jim’s passing. Jim was such a kind & gentle soul, always happy to greet you. May all the precious memories you have of Jim, bring you comfort.
Albert and Elizabeth
sorry for your loss at this time we will see you Saturday
will pray for all the family GOD BLESS
Margie, Alana, Brian, Mike, Erin, and grandkids – my sincerest condolences on the passing of Jim. Thinking of you all in the coming days.
Margie and family, we are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Sincerely, Kim and Raymond Abbass
Margie and family, our sincerest condolences on Jim’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Betty and Bill Smith
Middle Sackville, NS
Sorry to hear that Jim has passed away. Condolences to his family. Jim was a fine gentleman and was a good representative of the Pier Rest in peace Jim.
Dear Margie.Alanna & Mike,
Jim was a caring and funny guy. He could always make me laugh.
I will always have fond memories of him.
He will dearly be missed by all his friends and family.
Donna, Coldwater, Ontario
Margie and family so sorry to here about Jim passing, our condolences
to you and your family. God bless will see you on Saturday. Clayton and Karen Murphy.
Margie and family, sorry for your loss. Rest in peace.
Margie,Alana and family
It was a great pleasure to care for jim.. may you be comforted by your memories and know he is now at peace!
Keeping you all in my thoughts and sending all my love and the biggest hugs!
Margie and Family,
So very sorry to hear of Jimmy’s passing. He was such a nice man! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your beautiful family during this difficult time.
Margie and family. My sincerest condolences on Jim’s passing. Please know that you are all in my prayers and thoughts.
Margie & Family :
So sorry for your loss . May all your fond memories help you and your family during this difficult time .
Sincere Condolences,
Margie & Family :
So sorry for your loss . May all your fond memories help you and your family during this difficult time .
Sincere Condolences,
My sincerest condolences Margie, Alanna, and Mike. Jim was always so kind and delighted in seeing us when we were hanging out at the house on Whitney. Sending you all a big hug.
Best,
Heather & Guy
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dear Margie and family. I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I enjoyed meeting him at our various RTO events and at your beautiful home. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Tammy Landry
Margie and family, our deepest sympathies in the passing of Jim, our prayers and thoughts are with you and your families at this difficult time.
Jean & Ed Gillis
Dear Margie and family. I am so very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Please accept my deepest condolences. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all at this most difficult time of struggle, strength and most of all love.
Cindy MacKinnon
Margie, Alanna, Mike, and your families, holding you in heart-felt love and prayer…the genuine love and affection expressed here by so many is a deeply moving testament to Jim. His beautifully written obituary captures the essence of who we all knew him to be.
Dear Marg, Alanna and Mike. Deepest condolences for your loss. Jim was a great friend. It always left a smile on my face after every conversation. He will be missed very much.
Chris, Stacy and kids.
Margie and family, so sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. My condolences to you and your family
Anna Mae
Margie and family
My sincere condolences on Jim’s passing.
Margie, so sorry to learn that your husband, Jim has passed away. Joe and I send our deepest condolences for you and your family.
Pat and Joe
Dear, Margie, Alanna, Michael and all family. Sadly, only finding out this news, recently. You guys were family, growing up on Whitney Avenue. Whitney Avenue was a loving and supportive neighborhood, community. Heartbroken to hear this news. Jim, your dad, was well loved and adored. You guys are a beautiful family’. Blessed to have known Jim/ your father.
All our love and condolences to a loss of a great man.
The Mackley Crew…219
Margie and family we are so sorry to read of Jim’ passing . You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Margie and family…So sorry for your loss. May your memories bring you comfort during this sad time. May he RIP.
Margie& family I was so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. You both were a loving couple and always friendly when I seen you out and about.
Margie and family,
Our deepest condolences to you all during this difficult time .