Obituary of James Saunders

Saunders, James Edward, 78, of Bridgetown passed away January 11, 2014 in Mountain Lea lodge, Bridgetown. Born in Bridgetown, in 1935 he was a son of the late Jack and Lillian (Sabean) Saunders. Jim attended Bridgetown Regional High School. He excelled in Track and Field, Basketball, Softball, Broomball and Volleyball. He was a Medalist in the Highland Games in High Jump (1954) and Acadia Relays (1956). Jim was an All-Star Centre-Fielder and Batting Champion for Acadian Distillers, Continental Kitchen softball teams in the 1970's. He was an accomplished hockey coach winning Provincial titles in Pee Wee, Bantam, Midget and Juvenile throughout the 1970's and 1980's. Also, he coached minor softball teams in Bridgetown. Jim worked at United Elastic/Britex Plant for 24 years. He and his wife, Frances, in 1980 established Saunders Nursing Home, and have worked there since. Jim's hobbies included playing and watching sports, cards (45's) and playing snooker. Jim is survived by his wife, the former Frances Veinot, sons, Shaun (Patty), Terry (Michelle) all of Bridgetown and Kelly (Jacalyn) of West Paradise; grandchildren, Jenica, Jonathan, Jordan, Cale, Brent, Hailey and Kellen. He was predeceased by half sister, Phyllis Cranton; half brothers, Stewart and Syl. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of the Kaulbach Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Bridgetown where Visitation will be held Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday from the Bridgetown Baptist Church with Rev. Brian Wallace officiating assisted by Father Fred Hinxman. A reception will follow in the church vestry. Burial will be in the Centrelea Cemetery. Donations in Jim's memory may be sent to Mountain Lea Lodge or the Victorian Order of Nurses. The family wishes to give special thanks to Dr. Balser, Dr. Goodine, VON, and the staff at Mountain Lea Lodge. On line condolences may be sent to www.kaulbachfamilyfuneralhome.com