Obituary of James Robert Danson

James (Jim) Robert Danson
February 27, 1951 – December 31, 2024

It is with sadness, profound love and respect, we announce that Jim has died at home in East Gore, with his soulmate and partner of 14 years, Sue McRuer, and his son John, at his side. 

He is laid to rest with a natural burial in the Barss Corner Community Cemetery, near his parents, Robert L. Danson and Hazel (Nichols) Danson. Jim attributed his joy of music, his fine woodworking skills and his strong work ethic to those two loving role models. A graduate of the Boston Conservatory of Music, he was a violinist, a founding member of Nova Sinfonia, and a valued participant in the PEI Symphony Orchestra. He contributed to the music community as a teacher in public schools and at summer music camps. He will be remembered as a skilled luthier, for many years crafting meticulous repairs of countless stringed instruments at his Bowed Instrument Shop in Halifax.

Jim loved spending time at the Danson cottage at Lake Peter where family and friends enjoyed many an hour at bonfires and barbecues, paddling canoes and kayaks, playing horseshoes, cards, crokinole, and cribbage, and participating in annual maple syrup production. A gentle, kind man with a quick sense of wry humour, his puns were legendary at family gatherings. His knack for problem-solving, and sharing knowledge left an indelible mark on those who knew him.

Jim's legacy – his unique and inventive handcrafted pieces, his stories, gifts, teachings, and so much more – live on in his beloved children; John (Alison) and grandsons David and Nate, Ottawa; Ned, Calgary; and Gwen Danson (Jeff Gabriel), Halifax. His loss is felt by his sisters, Lynne (Malcolm Barkhouse) and Ruth Danson (James Faraday, deceased), as well as his nieces and nephews, and the extended McRuer family who welcomed him into their hearts. Jim is also survived by the mother of their children, Joan Barron.

There will be no funeral at Jim's request. A celebration of life will follow in due course. In his memory, listen to music, walk in the woods, share meals and laughter with loved ones. If you are so inclined, donations may be made to  Hantsnorthcommunityfoodbank@gmail.com or a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.