The death of James Coburn MacLaggan, Munro St., Bathurst, husband of Isabel (Archibald) MacLaggan, occurred Thursday, October 30th at Chaleur Regional Hospital, Bathurst, following a year's illness. Born August 10, 1923 in Blackville, New Brunswick, he was the son of the late Hayward and Estella (Donahue) MacLaggan. After graduation from high school and a short period of employment with Lounsbury Co. Ltd., Jim served at home and overseas with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Upon discharge he furthered his education and was employed in Halifax, Bathurst and Peterborough, Ontario. He returned to Bathurst in 1959 to establish a general insurance business. He retired in 1994 after 35 years in the industry. Jim was an outstanding contributor to community life locally, provincially and nationally. Through the years he served on Bathurst City Council for three terms and was a member of the district school board, city planning commission, home and school association, Bathurst Rotary club, Victorian Order of Nurses board and the K.C. Irving Centre Foundation. He was one of the first recipients of the Queen's Jubilee Medal and was made a Paul Harris Fellow through Rotary a few years ago. Jim was co-director of the Bathurst Minor Hockey program for 10 years, manager of the Bathurst Papermakers hockey team leading up to the team's Canadian Intermediate “A” Championship title in 1971, a founding member of the New Brunswick Amateur Hockey Association in 1968, provincial president of that organization for four years, a director on the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association board, and Atlantic representative on the national minor hockey council. He was a member of the committee that revamped hockey in New Brunswick under the Toner Report. More recently he was honorary chairman of the Atlantic Challenge Cup, was on the organizing committee for the 2002 Air Canada Cup, both held in Bathurst, and volunteered for the 2003 Canada Winter Games. Baseball at all age levels also benefitted from Jim's promotional and organizational involvement both locally and provincially. One of the local playing fields bears his name. As a sports enthusiast, he reported game results to the provincial newspapers for many years. In 1982 he was named the New Brunswick Sports Executive of the Year. Jim's affiliation with the Royal Canadian Legion included secretary-treasurer of the local branch for 14 years, branch president, provincial president and numerous committees including the Dominion Executive Council. As an organizer and manager he was actively involved in the Legion track and field youth program locally, provincially and nationally for 35 years. He was a life member of the local branch and was the recipient of the highest awards within the Legion, indicative of his dedication and contribution. For his contribution as a builder, Jim was inducted into the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame in 1986 and two years later into the newly-formed Bathurst Sports Hall of Fame. He served as chair of the board of governors of the former and most recently as a board member of the latter. As a faithful and active member of First United Church he has served as an elder, board chair, Sunday School teacher and superintendent, boys' group leader and a member of the men's choir. He represented his congregation on the Miramichi Presbytery and acted on various committees. Jim's other affiliations have included the New Brunswick Sports Federation and most recently the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires (N.B. and P.E.I. Division). He was active in provincial politics being a member of the Progressive Conservative Party. Besides his wife of 51 years, he is survived by one son, Don MacLaggan (Janet), two daughters, Nancy McKay (Don) and Heather Smith (Eric), all Bathurst area residents; one sister, Esther Hadwin (Graydon) of Peterborough ON; a sister-in-law, Jean (Manderville) MacLaggan, also of Peterborough and seven grandchildren, Jamie and Andrew MacLaggan, Bradley and Melissa McKay, Joshua, Erika and Torey Smith. He was predeceased by his parents (1957 and 1966), and two brothers, Gerald in 1941 and Bill in 1994. The body will rest from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 on Saturday and Sunday at Elhatton's Funeral Home, Bathurst. Funeral Service will be held on Monday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. from the First United Church, St. Patrick St., Bathurst. Burial will be in the West Bathurst Cemetery, St. Anne St., Bathurst. www.elhatton.com A Legion service will be held in conjunction with the Funeral service at First United Church. A the request of the family, donations may be directed to the West Bathurst Cemetery, Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of choice.