Obituary of James McQueen
It is with heavy hearts that the family of James (Jim) R. McQueen announce that he took his last flight on Monday, October 2nd, 2023 at the Sussex Health Center.
Born in Millstream on May 27th. 1935 to James and Annie (McAleese) McQueen. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 61 years, Sheila (Gray) on April 19th, 2019.
Jim and Sheila were married in Penobsquis on July 19th, 1958 in Penobsquis Baptist Church. On June 18th 1959 Jim and Sheila welcomed their first child. Shelley Ann McQueen. Robert Gordon McQueen was born on October 20th, 1961.
Jim's life was full of adventure, travel and flying. His forces. Career commenced in 1956 and Jim achieved his wings after basic training and flight school in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba in 1958. He progressed through several aircraft including: club munck, Harvard and T-33 and finally F-86 Sabre. He was an F/O of the 439 squadron based out of Chatham, New Brunswick. He commenced flying overseas based out of the I(F) Wing, Marcelle, France in August 1958.
Living in Virton, Belgium until Jim decommissioned out of the Air forces in 1964. After a brief stay in Moncton, Jim was hired by Air Canada in 1967. Jim flew DC- 8, DC- 9, B-727, L-1011, A-320 and finally retiring in 1992 on a 767.
Jim's hobbies included: Hiking (Fundy, Scottish Highlands), beekeeping, rug hooking and duck carving.
He will live on in the hearts of his children: Shelley of Winnipeg and Robert of Sussex; his brother Doug McQueen and his wife Patty of Comox, BC; his granddaughter, Caitlin McQueen and by his brother-in-law, Harry Drummond.
Along with his parents and loving wife, he is predeceased by his sister, Donna Drummond.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Dr., Sussex, NB (506-433-1176). As per Jim's final wishes, there will be no funeral or service. However, a gathering to honor his flying career will be held on October 12th, 2023 at the Royal Canadian Legion Sussex Branch #20 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Jim was a nature lover and supported many charities including CWF, ducks, unlimited, Canadian Cancer society and Salvation Army. Donations in his memory can be made to any of the following or one of your choosing.
