Obituary of Jimmy Legere

It’s with full and heavy hearts that the family of James (Jimmy) Paul Legere announces his peaceful passing on June 27th 2024, surrounded by love, and in the arms of his wife Jeannine, after a long illness. Jimmy was born in Amherst, NS on January 12th 1958, and spent his early childhood years in his rural ancestral village, Maccan, NS. In 1967 he moved with his family to Saint John, NB, which he proudly made his lifelong home. 

During his teen years in the South End of Saint John, he found Jeannine, who became his constant and faithful companion through every joy and challenge of life, and with whom he raised their three children. Jimmy and Jeannine spent much of their younger years training together at Kio Karate Dojo, where they made some of the most meaningful and lasting friendships of their lives. Jimmy was a talented martial artist, especially in sparring, winning numerous awards and championships. He became a deeply respected and beloved karate instructor, and he befriended and mentored many students over many years. 

Jimmy graduated from Saint John Vocational High School in 1977 and from the welding program at NBCC in 1982. He worked as a welder in various places including the Saint John Shipyard and the Irving Oil Refinery until his retirement in 2016. A proud member of UA Local 213, he cherished the many friends he made working in the trades, and enjoyed nothing more than sharing a few laughs or riding motorcycles with one of his buddies. 

Ever the jokester, Jimmy was legendary among family and friends for his colourful sense of humour and his generous spirit. Known to many dear ones as “Uncle Jimmy,” he was a bright light and anchor point for his immediate and extended family, as well as many friends, and he always had room in his heart to befriend and welcome others as his own. The last several years of his life were enriched and brightened by the dear friends and community at Granite Town Campground in St. George, NB, where Jimmy and Jeannine camped in the summer. 

Jimmy is predeceased by his parents Lawrence and Josephine (Langille) Legere, his brothers Larry and Alfred Legere, and his brother-in-law Gerry Paulin. He is survived by his wife Jeannine (Paulin) Legere; his three children Danielle (Phan) Chau, Adam (Jill) Legere, and Michelle (Dan) Wilband; his seven grandchildren, to whom he was a devoted Pépère, Isaïe and Jean-Luc Legere, Stella and David Wilband, Jimmy, Mariah, and Tai Chau; his sisters Frances (Bill) Hunter, Carol Knudson, and Lorilee (Ross) Hall; his sisters-in-law Rose Legere and Jeannette (Bill) McHarg, brothers-in-law Rev. Stan Paulin and Robert Paulin; along with Stella Basque, Jason and Matthew Chamberlain, many beloved nieces and nephews, and loyal friends. 

Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (506) 634-7424, has been entrusted with his arrangements. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Perpetual Help on Wednesday July 3rd at 11:00am, with visitation in the church foyer at 10:00am. Interment will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Donations in Jimmy’s honour can be made to the Canadian Lung Association or the Canadian Cancer Society.