It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of James “Jim” Gerald Pickard of Bathurst, NB. He peacefully passed away at the Chaleur Regional Hospital on January 1, 2025, at the age of 82, surrounded by his family.
Born in Windsor, ON, Jim made Bathurst his home in 1970. He retired in 2001 after a long career as a welder at Brunswick Mines, where he was also an active union executive member, making many lifelong friends. He later volunteered his time as a 4th-degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Jim was well-known for his sharp wit, his storytelling, and for being the guy you called when you needed to borrow a tool - he had them all.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Nicole [Aube] Pickard; his five children, James (Paula) Pickard, Cheryl (Raymond) McLaughlin, Tina (Peter) Duguay, Jason (Genevieve) Pickard, and Joel (Cindy) Pickard; his grandchildren Jesse, Treena, Kevin, Amy, Matthew, Jeremy, Catrina, Jordan, and Haylee; his great grandchildren Axtel and Aylah; his brother Lawrence (Rachelle) Pickard; his sisters Margot (John) Herkes, Mary-Lou (Jamie) Hansen, Michelle (Kevin) Desmarais; and several nieces and nephews.
He also leaves behind his stepchildren Cindy (Gabe) Girimonte, Sheri (Todd) Pettigrew, and Jane (Curtis) Crouse, along with his step-grandchildren Brittany, Courtney, Brooke, Julian, Sebastian, Roman, and Audrey, and his great-step-grandchildren Liam and Wyatt.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, Garnet and Marcella Pickard; his first wife, Carolyn Lee Pickard; his eldest son, Michel Gelinas; his brother Charles, and his sisters Maureen Pickard and Jo-Anne (Robert) Treverton.
In keeping with Jim’s wishes, there will be no visitation. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Holy Family Church. A reception will be held in the church basement immediately following the service.
The family welcomes everyone to join us in a Celebration of Jim’s Life at the Atlantic Host on Monday, January 6, 2025, at 7:00PM. Arrangements are in the care of Elhatton’s Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com), Bathurst.
Donations in memory of Jim may be made to the Holy Family Church or a charity of the donor’s choice.
