James "Jim" Edward Ernst

Jim passed back to heaven December 8th, 2022 at age 80 in Austin, TX where he'd lived for 40 years.

Born February 8th, 1942 in Bridgewater, NS to Ann Middleton Clark and George Albert Ernst, he was a go-getter from the git-go who led a full, happy life - his first 40 years residing in Nova Scotia, New Jersey, Australia and Hawaii.

He graduated from Fanwood High School in Scotch Plains, NJ in 1959, and the next year graduated Grade 12 (again) from Centre Consolidated School, NS, which counted as year 1 towards the Arts degree he earned at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Class of 1963.

A born salesman, entrepreneur from age 10, math whiz and 1930s Fords aficionado, Jim was blessed with many talents, including one-off home design & renovation, fine carpentry, fiction writing, model railroad building and water-skiing. He was also a radio announcer from a young age, first at CKBW Bridgewater (his favorite post,) then CJCH Halifax, CFCO Chatham ON, and several stations in the U.S.A. He started his Honda motorbike shop in Mahone Bay in the mid-60s, then owned and operated "Jay's Wonderful World Of Hondas" in downtown Dartmouth for several years before taking flight to warmer climates.

Jim was a fan of jazz, antique-hunting, stained glass, sailing, South Shore drives, picnics at Blue Rocks, salad for dinner, and making people laugh. What a wit.

Tall, fair and handsome, he'd been a fashion model in the 1970s, and appeared as an "extra" in many episodes of Magnum P.I. during his Honolulu years.

An upbeat, kind soul and proverbial larger-than-life character with a distinctive voice - both in radio and in the beautiful homes he created with his own two hands, Jim will remain a shining inspiration to many. His charming architecture can be seen in Mahone Bay at 836 and 970 Main Street, "Bayhead Landing" apartments, and the Palladian-window cottage overlooking Westhaver's Beach.

Ever unique, Jim finally married at age 50, became a dad at age 60 and created his finest, grandest home in his 70s at 9708 Delgado Way, Austin, TX.

He is survived by his wife of over 30 years, songwriter Jannie "Funster," their artist daughter, Kelly Ann, and his two brothers, Tom (Beth) and Michael (Nicole.) Uncle Jim is fondly remembered by nieces Annalisa Widdifield, Chloe Ernst and Alyssa Eddy, and nephews Georg, Matthew, Kris and Peter Ernst, and Austin Eddy. His many friends and other relatives will miss him too. He was one of a kind.

Please join us to celebrate Jim's life Wednesday, August 16th, 2023 at St. James' Anglican Church, Mahone Bay, 11:00 a.m. After the service, then committal / interment, a luncheon will follow in the Parish hall, where those who knew Jim are welcome to share their memories.