Western New Brunswick celebrating the life of late journalist Jim Dumville
Friends, family, and readers will honour the work of respected journalist Jim Dumville with a ‘Celebration of Life’ on Sunday, June 22, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Connell House in Woodstock. A small service will begin at 2 p.m. Dumville died peacefully at the Moncton Hospital on Sunday, May 25, with his family by his side.
The youngest of six children, Dumville was a native of Escuminac, Quebec, before he moved to Moncton to take Business Accounting at Oulton College and begin a career in sales.
In 1992, he changed focus, moving to Woodstock and enrolling in NBCC’s Journalism Program. He graduated at the top of his class in 1994 and was immediately hired by David Henley at the Bugle Observer.
Dumville spent 25 years covering the region’s issues, eventually taking the reins and becoming managing editor before he and the Brunswick News parted ways. In 2019, he was instrumental in helping Theresa Blackburn and Stephen Chisholm launch the River Valley Sun. Dumville was eager to continue his career, telling friends and family often that it was a job that never felt like a job. Those he worked with said his professionalism garnered respect from all corners of the region.
“Jim’s contribution to our community was exemplary, whether he was holding to account those who exercise authority or working to promote a healthy culture,” said retired Woodstock lawyer Stuart Kinney. “His persistence in these endeavours, executed without antagonism but with determination, offered a fine example of the things which are good about local community journalism.”
A former Woodstock mayor said he was grateful for Dumville’s attention to detail and diligent work in understanding the issues.
“Jim’s greatest asset as a journalist was his passion and determination to get the story right,” said Arthur Slipp. “He always took the time to do the background research necessary to make sure he understood the issues and various options that might serve as possible solutions to complex regional issues. He understood covering municipal politics was a critical part of community journalism that was essential to creating an informed electorate. He saw his role as educating the public about the critical priorities facing our municipal councils.”
Dumville covered the political career of former New Brunswick Premier David Alward, cultivating a relationship of trust and respect.
“He wasn’t a ‘gotcha journalist,’ just looking for a headline,” said Alward. “His interest was in informing the community of the facts, not in hyperbole. Jim also went above and beyond his calling to make sure we could celebrate as a community. He was always there with pen, paper and camera in hand, no matter the time or day of the week.”
District of Carleton North Mayor Andrew Harvey echoed much of the same. The former MLA and provincial cabinet minister appreciated his positive approach to his craft.
“Jim was a fair-minded journalist, willing to ask the tough questions and always making sure he reported the story accurately,” said Harvey. “Getting the story right was paramount to him. I always enjoyed our discussions about world events, his love for the Gaspe region, and his positive outlook on life in general. Jim gave of himself to others, he mentored many and was a friend to all. I will miss his wisdom, his strength of character and his sense of purpose.”
After his death, many readers reached out to the River Valley Sun, offering their condolences and thanks, including Bea Giberson of Fredericton.
“The newspaper world suffered a great loss,” she wrote. ” He understood the people of New Brunswick and that was reflected in all he wrote.”
When Dumville was diagnosed with cancer in late March, his coworkers, Theresa Blackburn and Stephen Chisholm, welcomed him into their home. After his diagnosis, Blackburn said Dumville experienced a ‘living funeral.’
“He was so well loved and respected that when word got out that he was sick, messages came pouring in, and dozens of people visited,” said Blackburn. “Things were so busy, we made a ‘social calendar’ for his wall so he knew who was coming when. Seeing so many reach out to tell him what he meant to so many, especially the young journalists he mentored, was heartwarming.”
Before his death, the Rotary Club of Woodstock made Dumville a Paul Harris Fellow, Tobique-Mactaquac MP Richard Bragdon presented him with a Difference Maker award, and the Upper River Valley Hospital Foundation thanked him for his work with a certificate of appreciation.
“It’s been the best chapter,” he told his family and friends before passing. “Not everyone gets this. I know I’m lucky.”
Jim is mourned by his sisters, Jean Parent (Walter) Backlands, N.B., and Elaine Cooling (Bob), Moncton, and his brother Colin (Wanda), Moncton, as well as 13 special and well-loved nieces and nephews, their spouses and partners, and many great-nieces and nephews. Also mourning are special friends Kathy and Dennis Campbell, Theresa Blackburn and Stephen Chisholm, and Arthur and Lynne Slipp, as well as many friends, former coworkers, and readers.
Besides his parents, Jim was predeceased by his sisters, Mary Hayes and Betty Parent, and brothers-in-law, Clifford Hayes and Mervyn Parent.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of the Carleton Funeral Home. Jim’s celebration of life will occur on Sunday, June 22, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Connell House, at 128 Connell Street, Woodstock. A burial (family and close friends only) will take place on July 5 at the Escuminac Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the River Valley Cancer Support Group or the Carleton County Animal Shelter.
(with files from Theresa Blackburn)
