Steafan Iain Pheigi Ailein

John James “Jim/JJ” MacKinnon was born March 3, 1905 in Big Pond, Nova Scotia, to Ian MacKinnon and Mary MacNeil. He was one of seventeen children and was known locally as Steafan Iain Pheigi Ailein, a name reflecting his paternal grandmother, Peggy Allan (née MacIntyre) of Rear Big Pond. His ancestors on both sides hailed from the Isle of Barra. Peggy Allan’s husband, Jonathan, was a bard who emigrated from Barra.

Jim’s younger brother, Stephen, is also featured in the Cape Breton Folklore Collection.

Jim married Florence MacLean, who came from the other side of the lake. The couple settled in Sydney, making their home on Argyle Street. Florence’s sister, Margaret, married Jim’s brother, Frank.

Jim worked for Canadian National Railway, alongside his brother Peter, who was a mechanic at CN. Jim and Florence had two sons, Arthur and Robert "Slim", the latter well known for his hockey skills.

Jim passed away on December 27, 1978 and is fondly remembered as a Gaelic tradition bearer and for always dressing in a suit and tie, no matter the occasion.