LEARY, James Norman

It is with great sadness that the family of James Norman Leary, 66, of Bedford and formerly of Riverport, announces his passing on Saturday, April 29, 2017, at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax. Born in Bridgewater, Jim was the son of the late Capt. Charles and Elizabeth (Oxner) Leary. Jim received his college education at Dalhousie University with a BA majoring in psychology and went on to Memorial University in Nfld. for his Master's in Psychology and then to Adelaide University, Australia to receive his PhD in Psychology. While in Australia, Jim published his thesis titled "Adaptation of discretionary criteria in vigilant tasks". He continued to work in Australia until the mid 1980's when he returned to Nova Scotia. Jim went back to school where he developed skills in computer graphics and the use of software in data analysis. He would return to Dalhousie from 1990 - 2006 to serve as a senior instructor in the psychology department. He spent his retirement in Bedford enjoying his interests which include taking photographs, playing and listening to music, reading, and restoring automobiles. Jim is survived by his sister, Deborah Willis of Riverport, niece, Elizabeth Willis (Adam), Riverport; nephew, Charles Willis, Riverport and grand-niece, Sadie and several cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Donna. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home, Lunenburg. A private family committal service was held at Shepherd’s Hill Cemetery, Riverport. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Feed Nova Scotia. www.sweenyfuneralhome.ca