James Thomas Arthur 'Jim' Fearneley, 80, former director of both Standardbred Canada and the Canadian Standardbred Horse Society, passed away during the evening hours of Monday, October 29 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital with his wife and children by his side.
Fearneley, who was born in Sherbrooke, Que., is the son of Ellis Fearneley and Iris (Adcock) of East Angus. Jim is survived by his wife of 60 years Colleen (Lavers), his children Leigh (Debbie), Stephen (Bonnie), Karen (Steven), and Cheryl (Peter), 10 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, plus nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by his 3 brothers, Frank, Junior, Harold and 1 sister, Iris.
Jim lived on his farm in Lower Hainesville near Crabbe Mountain, where he and his wife raised standardbred horses. His passion for harness racing influenced him to volunteer for the Fredericton Exhibition, and Standardbred Canada for years as a director. He was a Registered Industrial Accountant and worked as the Comptroller for Saint Anne Nackawic and later for Sansom Equipment of Fredericton.
"Jim 'did it all' in our industry," said industry colleague and friend Ross Galbraith. "He trained and drove standardbreds, and ran his own breeding operation. His greatest mark however, was as an industry leader, and in addition to serving on our national boards, he was tremendously active on a regional basis --- I can't think of any regional wide or New Brunswick initiative that he did not have a hand in during the past several decades. Jim was a true leader, one who always held the betterment of the industry at the forefront, and I considered him a mentor, as well as a valued friend."
Jim was a noted athletic achiever in track and field with a record in long jump, an avid hockey fan as well as having played and coaching hockey. He also trained and drove standardbred horses, and played football.
A visitation will be held at Bishop’s funeral home on Friday, November 2 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Interment will take place Saturday in Lower Hainesville .
For those who wish to make donations the family suggests the Chalmers Hospital Foundation (Respiratory care).
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Jim Fearneley.
My condolences to the
My condolences to the Fearneley family. Jim was a most courteous and kind man. He was very passionate about the Standardbred industry and I respected him very much.
My condolences to Jim's
My condolences to Jim's family. Jim served many years as a CSHS director and tirelessly advocated for the inclusion of the Maritime provinces in the national organization as well as promoting maritime racing and breeding. I had the opportunity to attend many meetings with Jim and he will be sorely missed.