Former Mountain alderman and home builder James Alexander Bethune has died at age 83.

Bethune was born in Hamilton and grew up on the family farm on Upper James Street.

A graduate of Westdale Secondary School, he later obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of British Columbia.

He owned and operated the Bethune Construction Company which built many single family homes and multi-unit residential buildings in Hamilton.

Bethune served as a city alderman representing Ward 8 between 1962 and 1969 and 1980-85.

He was a member of the city’s Board of Control from 1970 to 1980 and a regional councillor from 1973 to 1985.

Bethune was also a realtor and land developer.

Visitation is at M.A. Clark and Sons Funeral Home at 567 Upper Wellington on Thursday March 7 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A funeral service will be held at the Barton Stone United Church at 21 Stone Church Road West on Friday at 11 a.m.