Kenneth "Nat" James

Kenneth "Nat" James (99) was born on October 21, 1922 in Tufts Cove, Nova Scotia. Three striped towers – familiar to all residents of Halifax-Dartmouth – have since been erected on the site to celebrate his birthplace. Nat was the fifth in Alan MacKenzie and Clara (Crowe) James’s family of eight. He was predeceased by all his brothers and sisters, Edith "Didi", MacK (Barbara, Vancouver), Ian (Marj, deceased), Ruth (Bob McCleave, deceased), Hugh (Carolyn, deceased; Beth, Halifax), Judy (Terry Adamson, deceased) and Sandy (Irene, Vancouver).

Nat was born into a tempestuous era, growing up during the depression and World War II. He joined the army with the aim of overseas service but ill health (not to mention being too tall for the army’s summer uniform) prevented him from going overseas. He even hitchhiked to Montreal in the hopes of being called up. He transferred to the RCAF (1943), achieved his navigator’s wing and was classed as a reserve.

After the war, Nat went to Dalhousie University for Commerce (1948) and Law (1950) degrees. He met Rowena (Rowe) Carter from Oyster Pond, NS and was attracted by her smile (Nat: "I don’t know what attracted her to me!"). They married in 1949 and moved to Kentville where Nat established an insurance firm, later acquiring a branch in Yarmouth. He was President of VON (Valley Branch) and Ken-Wo Golf and Country Club, as well as serving as Registrar of Probate in Kings County until his retirement in 1988.

Rowe, who shared with Nat a love for golf, boating, cats, birds, and their nieces and nephews, died in 1994, entrusting six cats to Nat’s care. In later years, Nat’s companionship with Shirley Maxwell allowed the two to enjoy wining and dining throughout the Valley.

Nat was always a strong promoter of Annapolis Valley business – especially vineyards, farms and restaurants, much to the benefit of his visitors. The Kentville Rotary Club gave him a 60-year service award (2016) and in 2021 he was made an honorary member with 66 years in the Rotary. Many have noted that it’s impossible to go anywhere in the Valley with Nat without his being recognized and greeted.

Nat’s active interest in genealogy means relatives have a well-researched history of the James and Crowe families going back many generations in NS.

Nat will be sorely missed by his and Rowe’s relatives across Canada and the USA, and by his many friends.

Nat wanted to thank the staff of King’s Riverside Court for their care and kind attention that made his stay there so pleasant. Nat also was very grateful for Joanne Maxwell’s support. Cremation has taken place and the funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 12, 2021 in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville. A video webcast of the service will be available at that time. Nat’s remains will later be buried with Rowe in St. Francis Harbour, Guysborough County, as well as sprinkled in St. Margaret’s Bay, with glasses raised by loving relatives. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kings Shelter - SPCA. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. In accordance with the Nova Scotia Proof of Full Vaccination Policy, proof of full vaccination will be required to attend the service. For online condolences, inquiries and to view the webcast, please visit: www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.