We Remember

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 Sexsmith, 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.”

Service
Friends and relatives are invited to a Celebration of Life at the Edson Legion on Saturday, April 28 at 2pm.

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Yellowhead Emergency Shelter for Women or the Vernon Women’s Transition Shelter. Link: info@yeswomen.ca, www.vwts.ca

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for FROGGATT, Edwyn James (Jim) is scheduled for Friends and relatives are invited to a Celebration of Life at the Edson Legion on Saturday, April 28 at 2pm.. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

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Condolences

  • Gordon Welch says:

    What a loss! Jim was an outstanding citizen, teacher, coach and friend. He did so much to make Edson a better place in which to live.
    My condolences to all Jim’s family and friends.
    Gordon Welch

  • Darryl and Rynette Marx says:

    We were shocked to hear of Jim’s passing, having expected to see him on the Pickleball court as we had noticed his name down for play. We will miss his cheerful, competitive yet supportive spirit on both the Pickleball courts and the golf courses.
    Gone, but never forgotten.

  • Dianne Usher (nee Blaney) says:

    I am deeply saddened to hear of Jim’s passing in the Vernon obituaries today. We both grew up in Gleichen and both retired in Vernon. I only discovered this today! Please pass on my condolences to Sheila and family, Linda, Holly and their family.

    Dianne & Don Usher

  • The Studer family, Fred, Barb, Deane says:

    Jim was a wonderful coach, teacher and mentor to so many young people, and his contribution to kids, school, and the community of Edson will continue to be remembered and honored by so many of us.
    Our very sincere sympathy to Sheila, Scott and Sherry and all Jim’s family and friends.
    The Studer family, Fred, Barb, Deane

  • Ron Korotash says:

    I had only met Jim a few times while visiting in Maricopa and the last time we had a short visit when he joined us in Casa Grande last year after his Pickle Ball tournament. I also had the pleasure of dining with him and his lovely wife Sheila at their Maricopa home. Needless to say I was shocked and saddened like everyone to hear of his passing. It was my privilege to know him even briefly. My sincere condolences to Sheila and family.

  • Ian & Linda Kirillo says:

    Linda and I have fond memories of Jim, whenever our paths crossed. He was a person who made everyone feel at ease with his humour and wit. He made this world a better place. May loving memories comfort you and in time help soften the sadness of your loss. Rest peacefully, my friend.

  • anne &leo koebel family says:

    we offer
    our prayers & condolences to the froggat family for a greatly respected & admired man.may he rest in peace. koebel f family

  • Richard Shuhany says:

    It is with sadness that I learned of the death of my Fraternity Brother Jim. We were at the University of Alberta in the sixties,
    There are many memorable occasion to reflect on and remember. All the great times together at the ZETE House.
    Rest in peace my brother.
    Condolences in Tau Kappa Phi
    Dick Shuhany

  • Sandra Harder says:

    Dear Sheila, Scott and family,
    I am so sorry to hear of Jims passing. May you find peace in all the wonderful memories you have shared.

  • Peggy Shenfield says:

    I was deeply saddened to learn of Jim’s passing and wish to relay my heartfelt condolences to Sheila and family. Yours and Jim’s kindness, and the comaraderie of our school staff back in the day are amongst some of my fondest memories. May you find strength and comfort in family and friends in the difficult days ahead. My prayers and thoughts are with you Sheila, as well as Scott and Sherry and the rest of your families.
    (I found some old pictures of some of our staff during “Greaser Days” 1982, and thought they might bring a smile and some memories. Sending a huge hug Peggy )

  • Peggy Shenfield says:

    (Sorry my pictures didn’t go through Sheila..I’ll share them with you another way ❤️) Peggy

  • K40 Club of Edson says:

    We were shocked and saddened at the news of Jim’s passing. He will always be remembered here for his organizing ability and his involvement in creating the annual Slo Pitch tournament that became the biggest tournament in Canada.
    Members of the club – LeeRoy Lonsberry, Mal Goldie, Tom Brown, Leo Koebel, Grant Macmillan, Al Stuve, Jim Mossey, Ernie Mushtuk, Ivan Strang, Howard Soanes, Duane Catterall.

  • Nancy Agassiz says:

    I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing.
    He was a pleasure to play pickleball with and I am honored to have met him.
    My fondest memory is of the game we played with the goal to hit the ball down the middle.
    I called him Down the Middle Jim.
    We will all miss him
    Nancy Agassiz
    Vernon

  • Ruby Trembicki says:

    To All of Jim’s Family:
    My deepest sympathy, During this extremely difficult time, May you find some comfort with all your precious memories.
    I sure will miss playing Pickleball with Jim. He was a real professional athlete. Now, learning about Jim’s life, I see why.
    What a Blessing Jim’s life was!

  • Deborah Begoray says:

    My husband John and I knew Jim when we both taught at Parkland 1978-1981. Anyone else out there remember the Pig Burn parties? Jim was fun, and an excellent teacher/ adminstrator. We were so sorry to hear of his passing.

  • Rick Serafin says:

    In honor of Jim,
    A positive always inspiring friend and fellow Pickler !!! Lots of stories and memories he was always willing to share. Still remember how he welcomed my very shy wife Heather to pickle ball the first time they met. A gentle, giant of a person who had a courageous never give up attitude when he played pickle ball and in life. I personally considered Jim, who I nicknamed ” The Frogman” ,a role model, and someone looked up to. I will miss not seeing Jim on the court but will always remember his always cheerful presence. Our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of such a special person,
    Sincerely, Rick and Heather Serafin

  • Cindy Gaudin says:

    Sheila, Scott and Family,
    Jim had an impact on so many lives in Edson through sport and teaching. His gifts to the Edson Community were many. I know I am a better person for having Jim’s family in my life for the short time I lived in Edson. Thank you. I am forever grateful. Rest in Peace.

  • jim anderson says:

    Just found the notice Shared great life in late teens …GPH alimni….roomtes with tj maloney at U OF A ……SOUNDS LIKE ALIFE WELL LIVED ….Dogbone

  • Roger jewitt says:

    I just Learned of Jim‘s passing. I had the pleasure of knowing Jim in our early days of canoe coaching and our involvement with the sport council and will always remember his generosity with this time and his good natured assistance. . So sorry to hear of his early passing.

  • Cal O`Brien says:

    Taught with Jim in Canmore he was a mentor,friend and someone who enjoyed life!

  • Roger jewitt says:

    I just heard of Jim’s passing so sorry that he was taken so soon. he such a great athlete and great sport I knew him from his days as a summer games canoe coach and he was always most helpful and such a good Coach and a good sport

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