FROGGATT, Edwyn James (Jim)
January 21, 1944 — February 4, 2018
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Jim Froggatt at the age of 74. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle as well as coach, mentor and friend to many.
He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years Sheila Froggatt (nee Couldwell), his son and daughter-in-law Scott and Sherry Froggatt, grandchildren Jeanine Froggatt and Ali Froggatt; his sister and brother-in-law Linda and Ken Fulton, niece Kendal (Keith) McCarthy; his sister and brother-in-law Holly and Ray Dobek, nieces and nephews Chris (Sara) Dobek (sons Johnny and Colton), Tara (Eric) Nelson (daughter Holly, son Joey), Jenna (Matt) Befus (daughter Cassie).
Additionally, he is mourned by his father-in-law George Couldwell (wife Jane, predeceased); sister-in-law Pam (husband Paul, predeceased) MacKenzie, nephew Ryan (Kristine) Steuart (daughter Solenne and son Mac); sister-in-law Margo Couldwell; sister-in-law Kathy Kirkup, niece Laura Kirkup, nephew Todd Kirkup (predeceased).
Jim was born in Bassano to Ted and Bea Froggatt in 1944. He grew up with his sisters Linda and Holly, primarily in the village of Gleichen, Alberta. He gained his love of the outdoors at an early age, when his Dad would put up a teepee in the backyard and Jim would move his bedroom outside for the entire summer.
Jim graduated from the University of Calgary, and spent his early years teaching in smith, then Canmore, before moving to Edson in the early 1970s.
He had a passion for coaching and working with kids from the very beginning of his career. An avid canoer and kayaker, he was one of the driving forces behind the Edson Canoe Club. There were countless river trips (in the rain and snow) that Jim organized and championed. Jim coached a vast number of kids in river and lake canoe racing, who collected many provincial gold medals and more amazing memories. Jim also had incredible canoe adventures on the Nahanni and Pelly rivers in Canada’s far north.
As a teacher and administrator at Jubilee Junior High, Parkland Composite High in Edson, and Niton Central School, Jim made many friends for life with his coworkers, people in the community, as well as many students.
He had a tremendous impact on the lives of so many, in his years as a volleyball coach in Edson. Jim mentored many young men and women to whom he taught dedication, commitment, perseverance and mental toughness. He did this with an incredible sense of humor. His teams always had fun and laughed, as they suffered through his conditioning and training sessions.
In the 1980s Jim was an executive member of the Alberta Sport Council. He was also an important part of Edson hosting the Alberta Winter Games in 1986, as Director of Sport for the event.
Jim played hockey in the winter and slo-pitch in the summer and has enjoyed camaraderie with close friends developed through playing and coaching countless teams.
Jim spent several years coaching women’s slo-pitch and women’s hockey in Edson. He was a coach, mentor and inspiration to many athletes, which resulted in building many long-term relationships.
Another chapter in Jim’s life was his involvement in the Edson Kinsmen, of which he is a Life Member. He was one of the founding organizers of the famous Edson Kinsmen Slo-Pitch Tournament, as well as a driving force behind the development of Vision Park.
Taking early retirement from teaching at the age of 50, in the mid 1990s – Jim embarked on his entrepreneurial career. This included Three Penguins Signs, followed by the building and ownership of the High Road Inn Hotel, the Super 8 Hotel and the Galloway Pub, all in Edson.
Jim’s leadership and vision, along with support of his many close friends and fellow shareholders, allowed these ventures to be very successful. He was proud of this, along with all the relationships he enjoyed at the pub and hotels.
In the mid 2000s, Jim and Sheila began to venture south to Maricopa, Arizona and enjoyed their time each winter at the active living community of Province. Here Jim found his passion for pickleball, and this sport opened the door for another huge group of friends in both Maricopa, as well as in Vernon, BC. Jim has enjoyed the competitiveness of this sport, playing right up to weeks prior to his passing.
In 2014, Jim and Sheila moved off the Edson acreage (by the McLeod and Edson rivers) to retire to Vernon. Here he continued his love of gardening and carpentry and set up his Adirondack chair factory once again.
Jim enjoyed travel. With Sheila and close friends, they have enjoyed many trips throughout Canada and the United States. They have enjoyed the Mediterranean as well as river cruises throughout Europe. A recent highlight was an adventurous trip through South Africa.
Jim enjoyed the outdoors including hiking, fishing, skiing, golfing and canoeing. He enjoyed sport including playing, coaching and organizing. Most importantly he loved his family and all his many close friends.
He will be sadly missed, and fondly remembered.
Friends and relatives are invited to a Celebration of Life at the Edson Legion on Saturday, April 28 at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to either the Yellowhead Emergency Shelter for Women (info@yeswomen.ca) or the Vernon Women’s Transition Shelter (www.vwts.ca).
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or to share a memory, please scroll down this page to the area called “share your condolences.”
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de FROGGATT Edwyn James Jim January 21 1944 — February 4 2018.source
Décès pour la Ville: Kelowna, Province: Colombie britanique
