Jim Bristowe – Meritorious Service
Called Mr. Committee by his family, Jim Bristowe has played a role in coordinating, fundraising, officiating and managing a number of local, provincial, Western Canadian and national events.
Jim moved to Prince Albert with his family when he was seven. His passion for sports started as a youngster when he was active in football, fastball and recreational hockey. He played on Riverside High School’s football team from 1961 – 63 and then moved to officiating from 1964 – 68.
Off the field and away from the rink, Jim became involved with the Prince Albert Raiders junior team on day one. He was part of the first fundraiser for the Comuniplex, the appropriately named Raise Your Butt Campaign. But, Jim might be best known as the Raiders’ public address announcer for 25 years. He was also a member of the team’s board of directors from 1978 – 83, a linesman for several games through the first five seasons and a minor official for a number of years before moving to the announcer’s booth. Jim and his family also opened their home to the organization, serving as player billets from 1971 – 79.
In 1999, the Raiders honoured Jim for his countless hours of volunteer work for the team.
In 2004, Jim was chairman of the Lead Gifts and Community Fundraiser Project for the Bring Back the Magic Fundraising Campaign, a multi-million dollar undertaking to renovate the Comuniplex.
Jim has been co-chairman of our big national events in Prince Albert since 1985. Three times – 1985, 1996 and 2001 – Jim was co-chairman of the national midget boys’ fastball championships in Prince Albert. Those championships have left a legacy to the city and its young athletes with dramatically improved fastball facilities in Prince Albert. Improvements include the pristine Prime Ministers’ Park fastball diamonds and a new scoreboard.
Jim chaired the most successful 1988 Purolator Cup Western Canadian Bantam Hockey Championships. Jim also co-chaired the 1999 Air Canada Cup Midget Boys’ Hockey Championship.
Jim put his fundraising expertise to use for the 1992 Saskatchewan Summer Games, 1994 Western Canadian Figure Skating Championship and the 1999 Western Canadian Summer Games as a board member.
Jim was also public address announcer at the 1991 World Junior Hockey Championship.
Jim has volunteered with the West Hill Community Club seeing through a number of renovations and as president of the club. He was also referee-in-chief with Prince Albert Minor Hockey Association, refereed in the Big Valley Hockey League, refereed football, coached and managed minor hockey teams from novice to midget and is a member of the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame board of directors.
Jim was named Prince Albert’s Sportsman of the Year in 1988 and Prince Albert’s Citizen of the Year in 1989. He was also a recipient of the Fred Schmidt Award for Dedication by the Prince Albert Minor Hockey Association.
Jim was a city councilor from 1988 – 2003. One of his roles as a councilor was to serve as chairman of the city’s parks and recreation committee during those 15 years.
The Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame is proud to recognize all of Jim’s contributions to local sport with his induction into the meritorious service category.
Inducted into the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.
