Donald James MacArthur

We, the family, regret to announce the unexpected passing of Donald James (Jimmy) MacArthur on Friday March 28th, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on June 19th,1956, to the late Donald (Boo) and Theresa (MacIntyre) MacArthur of Portage.

Proudly raised in Portage, Jimmy had a special love for the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and golfing. He enjoyed spending time at the East Bay Sandbar and recently at the family bungalow where he enjoyed watching the wildlife, especially the hummingbirds. He was an avid Nascar Jeff Gordon fan and he shared his love for stock car racing with his family and friends at Bud’s Speedway. He was a crossword wizard. He also had a passion for the Toronto Maple Leafs, despite the ongoing disappointment.

Jimmy recently retired after years of tractor trailer driving in Cape Breton and later in Fort Mac.

Jimmy is survived by his sons Brendon (Stephanie), Brett (Randalina), daughter, Brandy (Kyle) Gillis, and by the mother of his children, Maureen O’Rourke. Papa Jim will be dearly missed by his grandchildren, Taylor, Nick, Jayce, Ryder, Kayden, and soon-to-be grandson, Emerson. He will never be forgotten by his siblings Joan (Jim) MacDonald, Sharon Campbell, Bobby (Gina), Anne Marie (Greg) Pasternak, Margie (Robert) Eisan, Johnny, Cathy (Barry MacKay), Charlie (Cindy), Susie (Arthur MacKinnon), Tracey (Sean) O'Rourke, Tammy (Sean) MacSween, sister-in-law, Catherine, and numerous nieces and nephews who loved Uncle Jimmy dearly. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his mother and father-in-law, Phil and Hattie O’Rourke, brother, Dougie, and brother-in-law, Eddie Campbell.

The family would like to send a special thank you to one of Jimmy’s good friends, Dougal Curry.

The family would also like to thank the EHS staff as well as the physicians and healthcare staff of the ER and ICU of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Forest Haven Memorial Gardens. Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will follow at a later date. Donations can be made to a charity of one’s choice.