HALLAHAN, James Harold

Of Dartmouth, passed away peacefully in Hospice Halifax with wife Elizabeth "Liz", daughter Kim and son-in-law Cyril "Pally" Fraser by his side. Jim was born in Long Branch, Toronto; second youngest of six to Charlie and Marie Hallahan. He always had a love of cars and got involved in racing at the age of 19. Jim had numerous business in the Toronto area, the last was a Studebaker dealership. Jim became a racing legend in Ontario winning many championships at Pinecrest Speedway. His late wife Lorraine also raced in the Powder Puff races. He became friends with the late Ernie MacLean and sold him his first race car. When Ernie moved back to New Brunswick, he owned and operated Riverglade Speedway. Ernie convinced Jim to come down to race his International Race every year and Jim would bring other racers with him and then stay and race at other race tracks in the Maritimes. Ivan Forbes, owner of Forbes Chev Olds and a race car convinced Jim to move down to race the car and sell cars. Jim moved his family down from Ontario and established himself at Forbes Chev Olds and nowmacphee Ford. He retired from racing when Jim Jr. and Debbie started racing. His greatest loss was when Debbie lost her life in a racing accident. Jim was involved in establishing NASCAR racing in the Maritimes and was President for a number of years. Jim was inducted into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame and the Maritime Motorsport Hall of Fame. Jim and Elizabeth enjoyed travelling down south in the motorhome to various NASCAR races with Bristol Speedway being the favourite every spring. They met a lot of people who became friends to this present day. Myrtle Beach became their vacation home for the month of March when they sold their motorhome. Jim, when in town, never missed his morning coffee group before going to work. He loved going to the country to our "cottage" at West Skinners Cove and then he was anxious to get back to see the coffee group to check those lotto tickets and go to work. Jim was predeceased by his first wife, Lorraine; daughter, Debbie; brothers, Joe, Jake; sister, Peg; brother-in-law, Roy Davis; sisterin-law, Carol Hallahan; brotherin-law, Clarence Roberts; and sister-in-law, Edith Roberts. He is survived by wife, Elizabeth; daughter, Kim (Cyril) Fraser; son, Jimmy (Michelle); stepsons, Jimmy and Kevin (Stacey) Gillis; grandchildren, Reid, Mike, Jodi (Arron), Colin, Tyler, Ryan and Claire; sister, Dot; brother, Willie; and sister-in-law, Marlene (Ron) Hobley; many nieces and nephews in Ontario. In keeping with Jim’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no immediate funeral service. Once allowed, there will be a funeral service for family and friends in addition to a celebration of life that will take place in the spring at Scotia Speedworld. The family would like to thank all the nurses and doctors on 4 East at Dartmouth General for the excellent care and also to Hospice Halifax as well for the tender loving care given to Jim. Also to Dr. Wilke (Radiation Oncology) for 12 years of care, Dr. Thana (Medical Oncology) and to Dr. Oliver our family doctor. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Hospice Halifax, Margaret’s House or any charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made by visiting: www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com (Dartmouth Chapel).