A memorial service for Jim will be held on October 15th, noon to 2pm at the Maple Grove Rugby Park , 90 Frobisher Road , Winnipeg , Manitoba . All welcome to come share stories and memories with friends and family.
October 1, 1939 – September 6, 2011
On Tuesday, September 6, 2011, Jim passed away suddenly at the Markham, Ontario home he shared with his common-law partner, Patricia Maybury. Left to cherish his memory are his son James (David) Platt and daughter in law Julie, grandchildren Amy and David, mother Eleanor Gilmour, brothers Tom and John, as well as many friends.
Jim was born in Toronto, Ontario, and grew up in the Beach neighbourhood where he attended Danforth Tech High School. While in high school Jim discovered he had a talent for long distance running and eventually joined the East York Track Club, specializing in the 10,000m steeplechase event. Along with fellow team mates, Bruce Kidd and Bill Crothers, the East York Track Club was able to secure many of the Canadian records of the day. One day on a training run with a fellow teammate in 1962, Jim was approached by a friend and asked if he would be interested in playing Rugby with the Balmy Beach Club. Jim’s talent as a runner proved a tremendous asset in the game of rugby and by 1962 he was asked to play for the Ontario Provincial team. Later that same year, Jim joined the Balmy Beach Rugby Club on a tour of Great Britain. During the tour Jim was asked to play for a local team, but he remained undecided at the time. In 1964 Jim responded to the offer and joined the Harlequin Rugby Club. Jim’s overseas rugby career lasted until 1966, when he returned home to Toronto to pursue a career in the Printing industry.
Jim co-founded the Assassins Rugby Club.
In 1967, Jim was transferred to Winnipeg. Jim quickly joined a local rugby team (the Wasps). At the end of the season, Jim thought it might be fun to enter a new team into the league, comprised entirely of Canadian-born players. With the help of a few other fellows, with whom he remained friends until his passing, Jim co-founded the Assassins Rugby Club. By 1971, the Assassins won their first championship. Soon after Jim’s career took him to Calgary for a couple of years.
By 1971, the Assassins won their first championship.
After being transferred back to Winnipeg in 1974 Jim turned his attention to coaching minor hockey. Between 1974 and 1991, Jim coached 14 different Fort Richmond Kings and Fort Garry Twins hockey teams. Jim’s teams routinely won City Championships, and rarely finishing a season with less than a second place finish. His coaching records earned him ‘Coach of the Year Awards’ in 1988 and 1989.
In 1992, Jim returned to Toronto and continued his coaching career with the Markham Waxers Junior Hockey Club until 1994. He remained in Markham until his untimely passing.
Despite his tremendous success as an amateur hockey coach, Jim remained most proud of his accomplishments on the rugby field. Jim was especially proud of his pending induction into the Manitoba Rugby Hall of Fame on the evening of October 15th, 2011.
A memorial service for Jim will be held on October 15th, noon to 2pm at the Maple Grove Rugby Park, 90 Frobisher Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba. All welcome to come share stories and memories with friends and family.
On behalf of Balmy Beach Rugby I send our heart felt condolences to his family and rugby cohorts in Manitoba. He is missed at the Beach as I am sure his loss is felt by those at the Assasins. When we heard of his induction to Man Rugby Hall we were preparing a small gesture on his behalf at our Oct Alumni dinner, alas too late! We wish you well in your tribute to Jim and know that we are there “in spirit” Yours in rugby, Gerry Allen, Chairman, Beach rugby Alumni
I first met Jim in 63 when a mixed bunch of Beach athletes, of sorts, played no holds barred floor hockey at Malvern Collegiate.
Met him again in 69 when I started playing rugby for the Beach. Our 2ndXV were playing the Toronto Barbarians. Jim, who was visiting, noticed that I didn’t have a jersey so came over and lent me one of his. It was Assassins jersey and the same colour as ours but with a white collar and crest.
The next time I ran into Jim was at our 50th in 2005 when I had the opportunity to return the jersey he lent me 36 years earlier, unwashed, smelly, lime and turf stained yet neatly folded. Imagine his surprise and the laughs on retrieving his jersey that by some magic was about 2 sizes too small!
With our friendship renewed, I found Jim very amiable and helpful to others.
His passing saddened me. Please pass along my condolences to his family and friends.
Bob Whittaker
I met Jim in 1962 and played Rugby with him for a few years.
We toured together in 1963 playing in Scotland,Ireland,England,Wales and Germany. It was a great trip and I know The Human Spear thoroughly enjoyed it as I did.
I have some pictures of that Trip but they are back in Can. and I wont be returning until May. Would be glad to send on my return.
I recently saw Jims nephew David who along with brother Doug are actively involved in Canoeing at the Balmy Beach Club.
I was very sorry to hear of his passing and my condolences to his family.
John Edwards
I played rugby (and had a few beers) with Jim in the 60′s for the Balmy Beach RFC. I found him to be a committed player who enjoyed the game and the surronding social activities. We renewed our frendship from 2000 to 2011 attending the Balmy Beach Alumni events and club games. Jim was always interested in helping the rugby club in any way he could and had a soft spot for some of his teammates from the 60′s. He will be missed.