James Bateman

BATEMAN, James E. (Jim) 1933 - 2020 It is with deep loss and sadness that we announce the death of Jim Bateman, our father and grandfather, on April 1, 2020, at his home in Shediac Cape, New Brunswick. James E. (Jim) Bateman (86) was born in Shediac, the only son of Edward J. and Gladys (Dewitt) Bateman. He is survived by his dear friend, Grace Richard, and his children: Elaine of Fredericton; Leigh (Christine Charbonneau) of Quebec City, Allison (Stephen Leavitt) of Fredericton and Glenn Bateman (Diane Melanson) of Scoudouc. Jim is also survived by his grandchildren: Darcy Shea (Erin Cassidy) of Toronto, Dr. Liam Shea (Dr. Maia Courtenay) of St. John’s, Emily Leavitt of Fredericton, and Louis-Philippe and Charles-Edward Bateman of Quebec City. Jim took pride in encouraging his grandchildren’s education and found joy in their happiness and successes. In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by his wife, Helen (Mundle) Bateman, in 2003, and two infant children: Helen Mary and James Garth. Since his early twenties, Jim has been active in the seafood industry. As a manager and owner with National Sea Products and Paturel, Jim enjoyed deal-making from fishermen’s wharves in the Maritimes, Maine, the Gaspé and the Magdalen Islands to boardrooms in Europe and Japan. He loved his work, and never really retired. Just last week, he worried about possible delays this coming crab and lobster seasons. Jim grew up on his family’s farm and remained proud of his roots. As the fourth-generation owner, he built Leighside Farms into a thriving dairy business. Inspired in his youth by former Prime Minister John Diefenbaker, Jim was committed to the fortunes of the provincial Progressive Conservative party. He especially loved the energy of elections and party conventions. Though he always held out hope that a Tory would one day represent his southeastern New Brunswick riding, he proudly built lifelong relationships with politicians of all stripes. Jim believed that Shediac and the communities along the shore were the best places in the world one could live. His dedication to his community led to involvement with many organizations and boards, among them the Fishermen’s Loan Board, the Fisheries Council of Canada (past president), the NB Fish Packers Association (past president), the Canadian Lobster Promotion Association (past president), the Public Utilities Board, the Shediac Rotary Club, the Friends of the Moncton Hospital, the Beauséjour Family Crisis Resource Centre, and Trinity United Church. In 2012, he was inducted into the Atlantic Canada Marine Industries Hall of Fame. Outside these formal ventures, Jim was a generous man who was often looked to for advice and support. No matter where he was, or who he was with, Jim had time to strike up a conversation. He valued his relationships with others and cherished the stories he was told. He seemed to remember the names — and families and phone numbers — of everyone he met. In light of the global pandemic, a formal service cannot be planned at this time. A gathering will be held for celebration and mourning when we can safely come together. Until that time, as Jim would often say, “keep the wheels turning.” Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the Beausejour Family Crisis Resource Centre, Friends of the Moncton Hospital Foundation or the CHU Dumont foundation. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Frenette Funeral and Cremation Centre, Shediac (532-3297). Words of comfort and condolences may be forwarded through our website at: www.frenettefuneralhome.com