Obituary of James Walter Kennickell

James “Jim” Walter Kennickell, from Mt. Uniacke, passed away at the age of 80 on October 8, 2023, in the QEII Halifax Infirmary. Born in Kentville, he was the son of the late Major and Ruth (Frail) Kennickell and grew up in Lower Canard.

Jim earned an undergraduate degree at Acadia University and a graduate degree from Dalhousie University. In 1971 he became principal of Uniacke District School in Mount Uniacke and he filled that role for nearly thirty years. A lot of people walked through the school’s doors during those years, staff and students alike, and he will be fondly remembered by many for his time there.  After he retired from Uniacke District School, his curiosity brought him to Nunavut where he spent three years as principal of Sam Pudlat Elementary School in Kinngait. 

Jim’s sense of adventure and curiosity about the world he lived in meant he never stopped exploring and learning.  Reading and traveling in his later years led him to France, Germany, and Greece.   

Jim was someone who loved his community and cared about the people in it. He was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 165 and served as chair of the Building Committee, Branch President, and Co-chair of the Bursary Committee. He also organized and took part in many sport events.  

Jim had a great sense of humour and he liked to have fun. He loved darts, pool, dancing, "catnaps" and, particularly, golf. His many holes-in-one may have been as much a surprise to him as everyone else.   

“He was well-loved and will be dearly missed.”

Jim will be especially missed by his wife Eileen; son Drew Kennickell, Fredericton; daughter, Laura (Shawn) Comeau, Mt. Uniacke; sister, Wendy (Frank) Spicer, Lower Canard; his grandsons, Craig, Cole, and Sebastian; as well as Sebastian’s mother Triny Finlay; niece, Adrienne; and nephew, Nic.   

Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook, NS, B4R 1B9 (902-679-2822).