Jim Lawson, beloved husband, father, brother, coach and mentor, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with brain cancer on August 8, 2019 at the age of 52 years. Jim leaves behind his loving wife Trudy; sons, Trent (21) and Cory (18); brother, Russ (Heidi), sister, Kelli (Jason); and many other friends, family members, players and coaches who will miss him dearly. His father, Dan, also predeceased Jim in April of 2010.
Next to Trudy and the boys, baseball was the other great love in Jim’s life. From little league at Whalley Ball Park, to the National Championships with Richmond Auto Body, to the Conference Champions with Huntington University, Jim continued to hone his craft with every opportunity the game of baseball gave him. In 1988, he had the opportunity to play for Team Canada, and later that year Jim’s success led him to be the 1st Canadian Pitcher drafted in the 10th round by the Oakland A’s.
In the early nineties Jim brought his love of the game, vast experience as a player, and passion to develop the sport into his role as a coach. Jim started as a coach mentor with Baseball BC and as a coach with Richmond Sr. Men’s Team, in his hometown of Richmond, BC. In 1996, Jim married Trudy, the love of his life, and in 1998 welcomed their first son Trent. Shortly after in 1999, Jim and Trudy moved to Calgary where they would settle to raise their family and in 2001, welcomed their second son Cory.
It was Calgary where Jim was most instrumental in the development of baseball. From 2001 up until his health wouldn’t allow him, Jim was the founder, head coach, and instructor of the PBF Redbirds. Truly being a pioneer in the development of baseball in Calgary, Jim and Trudy created a program built on perseverance, intelligence, respect, determination, and effort, which has helped develop several successful young ball players throughout Calgary, not only succeed in their sport but also in life. Jim was also a master facilitator/VP for Baseball Alberta, developed and started the National Sport Academy Baseball Program, and was President of Baseball Calgary in 2005.
Family and baseball were Jim’s world and he has created a legacy not only in the world of baseball, but also with his incredible family, his two sons, Trent and Cory, and all those he’s touched! He will be forever loved and missed every day.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Thursday, August 22, at Blue Devil Golf Course (2300 194th Avenue SE, Calgary). Warm up starts at 11:00am with ballpark snacks and a toonie bar. Ceremonial 1st Pitch is at 11:30am with 9 memorable innings followed by a ball park lunch.
As one of the biggest sports fanatics Jim asks that you please wear your favorite sports team jersey and cap to the celebration.
In lieu of flowers and to honor Jim’s dedication to young athletes and sport; donations can be made in Jim’s honor to Calgary Kidsport www.kidsportcanada.ca/alberta/calgary/donation
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of James Lawrence Jim Lawson September 5 1966 August 8 2019 (age 52)..
Death notice for the town of: Calgary, Province: Alberta