James “Jim” David Hirtle

James “Jim” David Hirtle passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 29th, 2023 at the Fair Haven Nursing Home in Vancouver, BC. He was 75 years old.

Born on October 18th, 1947 in Sackville, NB, Jim was the son of the late Dr. Waldo and Frances Hirtle. From a young age, he took to playing the piano and later pipe organ; his love for music, especially hymns, stayed with him long after his memory faded.

A lifelong learner, Jim graduated with degrees from Mount Allison University (1969, 1972), Wheaton College (1975), Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (1978), and Dalhousie University (1992). He also loved to teach, and began his career teaching chemistry and managing the library at Atlantic Baptist College in Moncton, NB. A few years later, he decided to enter the ministry as a pastor and soon met the love of his life, Janet Mitton. They got engaged on a trip to the Holy Land and married on November 3rd, 1979. For over 20 years, Jim served in communities across New Brunswick (Harvey, New Horton, Alma, Oak Bay, Centreville, Chipman) and Nova Scotia (Glace Bay, Tantallon). He never missed a chance to accompany Janet on the piano when she treated the congregation to a solo. Jim continued to nurture the lives of others as long as he was able, including speaking at chapel in nearby nursing homes and teaching English in South Korea.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Janet and two sons, Matthew (Cylena) Hirtle and David (Lacey) Hirtle of Vancouver, BC; two sisters Sharon (Paul) Britton of Halifax, NS, and Wanda (George) Evans of Cole Harbour, NS; one brother Bill (Jan) Hirtle of Sackville, NB; four grandchildren Zoe, Sienna, Anna, and Sam Hirtle.

His Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 15th, 2023 at 2:00 pm at West Point Grey Baptist Church in Vancouver, BC.

Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or to the church or mission of your choice.