James Thompson Cairns, eldest son of James and Ellen (Barker) Cairns was born on Nov. 16, 1905 at Newcastle on Tyne County in Durham, England. Jim's family, unable to resist the large and compelling posters advertising a wonderful, bountiful life, immigrated to Canada in 1906. An unsuccessful attempt at farming on sandy land persuaded them to move to the town of Battleford.
When Jim's father joined the army in the First World War, his family, including his three brothers and a sister, moved to Bresaylor, an important location for the province's communications system. Mrs. Cairns was an expert telegrapher, using skills she had acquired as a post office employee in England. When hostilities ceased, Jim's father returned home and relocated the family to Battleford again.
Jim received his elementary education at Battleford Central School and then attended Battleford High , where he was affectionately known to his classmates as "Hamish." He was a gifted student and won an IODE scholarship upon graduation in 1923. A year later, Jim completed the requirements for a teaching certificate at the Saskatoon Normal School. His first teaching assignment was at the new Paynton Consolidated School. In 1927, Jim accepted the position of principal at Maidstone School.
After spending a number of years in the public education system, Jim decided to embark on a new career. He enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in the physical sciences at the University of Alberta and then completed a degree in dentistry at the University of Toronto. He interned on a scholarship at Toronto East General Hospital.
Despite his focus on career and work, Jim found time for his other passion - sports. As a student at the University of Edmonton, his tennis team won the Banff Open Singles Championship twice. And, he was a crack shot and an ardent angler.
Dr. James Thompson Cairns and Evelyn Campbell MacNeill were married on Jan. 1, 1938 at the home of the bride, 1271 George Street; presently Sallows and McDonald Funeral Home. Evelyn's father, Dr. J.W. MacNeill was the Provincial Commissioner of Mental Health and superintendent of the provincial hospital. By this time, Jim's parents, James and Ellen Cairns had become a prominent Battleford family. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Harry Heathfield.
During the Second World War, Dr. Cairns was commissioned as a dental surgeon and served with the Fifth Anti-Tank Regiment. He was close to the action and his services were invaluable to the fighting men. Dr. Cairns earned the rank of captain in July, 1941.
After his discharge from the army, Dr. Cairns opened a private dental practice in North Battleford. He practiced dentistry in North Battleford for many years before relocating to Saskatchewan Hospital.
In addition to serving his country and the citizens of North Battleford in the Second World War, he was also involved with our city in other important ways. He served 18 years on the public school board, two of which he chaired. In 1970, when the students were moved to the new comprehensive high school, the old collegiate institute became Cairns Junior High School, named in honour of Dr. James Cairns.
Dr. Cairns was a man of outstanding ability. More important, he used his talents for the benefit of his community and fellow citizens. As a teacher and principal, a serviceman, a dental surgeon, and as a school board member who invested two decades of service in school governance, Dr. Cairns put the interests of others before his own. On the occasion of North Battleford's centennial, we pause to reflect on the contributions to our city by an extraordinary and selfless citizen - Dr. James Cairns.
(Source, Don Light)
