“We are all stories, in the end, remembered by the adventures we had, the achievements we made, and the people we loved. So make sure your story is a good one.” – Nishan Panwar.
Jim Dumville
February 18, 1954 – May 25, 2025
Respected Western New Brunswick journalist James Douglas (Jim) Dumville died peacefully at the Moncton Hospital on Sunday, May 25, with his family by his side. Jim often referred to his life as a story with four chapters, so it’s fitting that his obituary reads like a book.
Jim’s first chapter began in Fleurant Point (Escuminac), Quebec. Born in Campbellton on February 18, 1954, to the late Raymond and Gladys Lisle (nee Dickie) Dumville, Jim was the youngest of six children. He attributed his ability to easily connect with people from all walks of life to his idyllic and lesson-filled upbringing on the family’s lush 160-acre farm overlooking the beautiful Bay of Chaleur.
Growing up, Jim was a kind and considerate child who befriended many of his classmates and cousins, counting his siblings among his best friends. He enjoyed life on the farm, was drawn to the ocean, and loved animals, writing, music, and books. Jim participated in school athletics, notably soccer and baseball, and while not much of a hockey player, he was passionate about the sport. Jim and his brother Colin bonded over hockey, following players and tracking team statistics, often talking daily, especially during the playoffs. He was a Habs fan his whole life, and this year, he achieved the dream of finally winning his hockey pool.
Jim kept his family close – a lesson learned from his parents. He never became a father but was the proudest uncle to 13 nieces and nephews and was active in their lives. It was rare to have a conversation with Jim that didn’t involve him sharing one or more of their latest accomplishments. He spoke with family members daily and loved visiting them, travelling frequently to Moncton and Quebec for birthdays, holidays, and vacations. Family remained a central theme throughout Jim’s life, and if you were lucky to be counted as a dear friend, you, too, got to be a part of his family.
Chapter two was Jim’s ‘big city’ chapter. After graduating from New Richmond High School in 1971, Jim was off to Moncton’s Oulton College to take Business Accounting, graduating in 1972. Some of Jim’s siblings had already moved to Moncton, so he decided to make his life there, taking on different leadership roles at a few carpet and retail establishments.
Jim cultivated a new group of friends in Moncton and gained a reputation as a top-notch businessman. His career in sales continued until 1992 when the company he worked for closed. After his layoff, Jim went home for a heart-to-heart conversation with his mother and sister, Betty. He counted their counsel and support for giving him the courage to pursue a mid-life career change.
Jim’s third chapter began in Woodstock after he enrolled in NBCC’s Journalism Program. He was the oldest of his classmates, not that any of them noticed. Jim (being Jim) fit in like an old shoe, making life-long friends with fellow students and a few instructors. Some classmates attribute his mentorship to their college success. In 1994, at age 40, Jim graduated at the top of his class and was immediately hired by David Henley at the Bugle-Observer.
Most of this chapter reads like an overused time-lapse movie sequence, with snippets of Jim’s life flashing before your eyes. He gets to live his dream, telling stories of interesting, ordinary, and history-making folks. His dear friends Kathy and Dennis Campbell, whom he met while covering a story, convinced him to establish roots.
Jim became the quintessential ‘newspaperman.’ He spent his days following news tips, putting out personality fires in the office, writing late into many nights, and editing some great and some not-so-great copy. Jim grabbed meals on the run, pulled his hair out on deadline days, and when the paper was finally put to bed, he’d grab drinks or have coffee with journalist friends, and they’d solve the world’s problems before they started the whole process over again the next day. And just like those iconic journalism film scenes, Jim even got to shout, “STOP THE PRESSES!” during his career, when the planes hit the Twin Towers in New York City. He loved what he did, even on the hard days.
Jim seamlessly weaved himself into the fabric of life in Woodstock and the Upper River Valley and grew his reputation. When Jim was promoted to editor, his opinion pieces provided a welcome voice of reason during many political, financial, and environmental news storms. His love for justice and upholding human rights shone brightly in every editorial.
Jim won newspaper awards but was prouder of the thank yous he got from coworkers he mentored, particularly those he helped find employment closer to family or ones he penned glowing references for, enabling them to get their ‘dream jobs.’
New journalists lucky enough to land internships, summer jobs, and first full-time positions in Jim’s newsroom improved their skills and found their voice with his guidance, wisdom, and kindness. Jim was known for focusing on the positive in every situation. He never spoke badly about anyone because he could always find a redeeming quality in everyone, with the exception of Donald Trump.
When the Bugle-Observer door closed for Jim, the River Valley Sun’s window opened, and he began his fourth and final chapter. In the fall of 2018, Jim joined Theresa Blackburn and Stephen Chisholm in establishing a new paper in the region. His editorial stewardship gave the newspaper instant credibility. Jim found his ‘second wind,’ and positive feedback from readers reinvigorated his writing. Jim said he felt like a young journalist again.
In February 2025, Jim’s health began to fail. In March, when he was diagnosed with cancer, Theresa and Stephen welcomed Jim into their home, and his ‘living funeral’ began. Jim spent his life sharing kindness, generosity, and respect, so it was no surprise that, in his last weeks, he reaped what he had sown. Visitors came from far and wide to express their appreciation for his friendship, guidance, and love. Former classmates, coworkers, and many young journalists he mentored stopped by or reached out with beautiful words conveying the difference Jim made in their lives.
In his final days, the Rotary Club of Woodstock made Jim a Paul Harris Fellow, honouring his years of service to the community. MP Richard Bragdon presented him with the Difference Maker medal, and the Upper River Valley Hospital Foundation gave him a certificate of appreciation. Aside from family and close friends, he was visited by or received messages from politicians, community leaders, and people he wrote about. All reached out to show their respect and gratitude. Ultimately, Jim said he could never adequately express how comforting it was to know his life had meaning, that his career made a difference, and that he was loved and respected by so many.
“It’s been the best chapter,” he told his family and friends, over and over again. “Not everyone gets this. I know I’m lucky.”
It is all of us who were the lucky ones, Jim.
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.
Jim’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Upper River Valley Hospital and the Moncton Hospital for their exceptional care during Jim’s last weeks.
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 (128 Connell Street, Woodstock), with a small ceremony starting at 2 p.m. A burial for family and close friends will take place on Saturday, July 5, at 2 p.m. Atlantic, 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.
