19 Dec 2025
MacEachern, James Gerard, age 81, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025, surrounded by his family at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish. Born and raised on the shores of St. George’s Bay, he was the seventh child of the late Eustace and Margaret Bell MacEachern of Ballantynes Cove. A fisherman by trade and by heart, he spent his entire life close to the sea. His incredible work ethic enabled him to continue fishing until the age of 80. He not only had a passion for the ocean, but also for the beautiful nature surrounding him. He was a faithful member of Holy Rosary Parish, and a steadfast anchor in his community. Ballantynes Cove meant the world to him, and he supported the community through his charitable acts and volunteer service, including being one of the original fire fighters of the North Shore Volunteer Fire Dept. In his later years, he remained a source of quiet wisdom and was fond of storytelling while surrounded by his family and friends. He loved his close-knit community and never wanted to venture very far from it. His quiet strength and teasing humor earned him the respect and affection of all who knew him. Gerard was deeply devoted to his family and is survived by his wife of 61 years, Velma (DeCoste); three daughters, Donna (Marc Belanger),Cape George Point; Cara (Trevor Schulz) Calgary, Alberta; and Paula (Mark Klassen), Ballantynes Cove; grandchildren, Amanda & Michael Belanger and Riley Schulz; siblings, Mary Ray, Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Cecilia (Richard) Grant, Antigonish; Anne MacPherson, Antigonish; Jackie (Heather) MacEachern, Cape George; Betty (Kenny) Farrell, North Grant; and sisters-in-law, Lillian & Ann MacEachern.
He is predeceased by his son, Derek MacEachern; sister, Eva, Pennsylvania; brothers, Buddy and Daniel (Lorine) MacEachern, nephews, Michael and Patrick MacEachern; his parents-in-law, Anthony and Peggy DeCoste; and brothers-in-law, John Ray, Claremont Marquis, Rod MacPherson, Robert Stahr Jr., and Herb Kerssler.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caring and patience of Dr. Fogarty, palliative & health care staff and specialists. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 22nd from 2:00 – 6:00 pm in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College Street, Antigonish. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, December 23rd at 10:00 am in Holy Rosary Church, Ballantyne’s Cove, Reverend Andrew Boyd presiding. Burial in the parish cemetery.