It is with great sadness and a broken heart that we the family announce the passing of Brigadier General James “Jim” A. Bruce, MMM, CD, MBA on 28 February 2019.
Born in Surrey, British Columbia, Jim was the son of the late James A. and Pauline Bruce.
Jim joined the Canadian Armed Forces as a Boy Apprentice in the Signals Corps and when commissioned as an officer, joined The Royal Canadian Regiment and later transferred to The Princess Louise Fusiliers. He served a total of 54 years in uniform. He was the current Honorary Colonel of the Princess Louise Fusiliers Regiment having previously been their Honorary Lieutenant Colonel. He was also the Honorary Colonel of the 78th Highlanders (Halifax Citadel).
Jim lived an extraordinary life of service. He was invested into the Order of Military Merit for exceptional and meritorious service and received the Chief of Defense Staff Commendation for his action during a serious vehicle accident in which his actions saved lives. He was awarded three bars to his Canadian Forces Decoration, the Special Service Medal for service in Germany and the Silver Jubilee medal. Jim served three tours of duty in Germany with the 3rd Battalion a tour with 2 RCR in Gagetown, NB and was the Adjutant and Company Commander at the Infantry School. He also served in Western Canada HQ, Sydney Militia District HQ and Maritime HQ, Halifax. Jim was the Commander of 36 Canadian Brigade Group and the Land Forces Commander for the district of Halifax during Hurricane Juan and White Juan. His final service role was as the Deputy Commander of Land Forces Atlantic Canada (5th Canadian Division).
Jim married the love of his life and best friend Kathryn “Tabby” or” Kathy” Mae (Matheson) and together with Bootes lived an extraordinary partnership and set an example of love and respect to all who knew them. He was compassionate to a fault and mentored hundreds of leaders, always ready to offer guidance or his time freely. He was a past president of the Halifax Citadel and Halifax Army Museum and the current president of The Nova Scotia Branch of The Royal Canadian Association and a director of the National Association of The Royal Canadian Regiment Regimental Association. Jim was also a Director with the Army Cadets and enjoyed his time with the boys and girls serving with 117 Preston/Westphal RCACC.
Jim held a MBA from Cape Breton University and received the Governor General Gold Medal for academic excellence. He was a graduate of the Canadian Land Forces (Army) Staff College, the United States Command and General Staff College (Carlie) and the United Kingdom Royal Navy Staff College.
During Retirement, Jim joined SAIC and was their Eastern Manager and was a well-known expert in Emergency Management, Operational Planning and Evaluations, especially in the field of nuclear energy. He was the Chief Instructor of Public Safety Canada and developed the Emergency Management Cycle that guide all emergency planning and operations throughout Canada. Retiring for a third time, Jim was self-employed and formed a partnership with Atlantic Security Group. If you have ever travel to Newfoundland and Labrador, Jim was the key ingredient to making your ferry ride safe and secure and treasured his time working with the Marine Atlantic Inc team. Jim and Kathy travelled the world - Germany, France, England, Scotland, Ireland, Mexico, China and many, many other locations to discover new cultures, language, food and enjoy their time together.
Jim is survived by Kathy, many brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces from British Columbia to Cape Breton. He was extremely close to sister-in-law Glenda and Martin McDonough and their girls, Melissa (Brian) and their children, and Amy. Bootes is going to miss their daily walks and his chats with special neighbors and friends who supported him and Kathy over many years. Jim was predeceased by his brother in law, Donnie Matheson.
The family would like to thank Dr. Gordon Mahaney for his compassionate and care, the doctors and nurses at the VG Hospital, QE II and the Dartmouth General Hospital. You were always respectful, caring and attentive during this very difficult time.
A military celebration of life will be held at CFB Halifax Chapel (2710 Admirals Way Halifax NS B3H 4R2) on 05 March 2019 at 2:00pm and an overflow room has been coordinated at Juno Towers Officer Mess, Ward Room. Transportation has been coordinated from Willow Park Armoury, 3325 Husky Drive, Halifax (parking location) with a shuttle service from 12:00 and ending at 1:15. Return transportation will also be coordinated after the service and the reception.
The Family will receive friends at the Ward Room, Juno Towers following the service. Dress for military is uniform and medals. Special seating will be available for both his regiments.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Halifax Cancer Center, the Cancer Foundation of Nova Scotia or the VON Nova Scotia would be welcomed. Online condolences may be sent by visiting
www.arbormemorial.ca (Dartmouth Chapel)
