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JAMES (JIM) HADLEY JEMPSON
April 29, 1948 – January 13, 2024

Jim, beloved husband of Shelley, suddenly yet peacefully passed away at the age of 75 surround by his loving Family.

Jim was a Loyal & Proud Husband, Father, Papa, Son, Brother, Uncle and Friend.  A Legend & Mentor in the Golf Industry and a cheerleader to us all in Life and Sport.

Jim leaves behind a community who have been profoundly impacted by his Guidance, Wisdom and Compassion. His genuine care for others has forever shaped the lives of those fortunate enough to have known him.

Born in Calgary in 1948 in the Community of Parkhill, Jim’s passion for Sports began at an early age. His Dad, Jimmy, was a professional hockey player & he was determined to follow in his footsteps.  

 After graduating from Viscount Bennett in 1966, Jim worked for Bud Loftus as a caddy at the Calgary Golf & Country Club, where he fell in Love with the property.  After 2 years at the club, he changed sports and moved to BC where he played Hockey for the Nelson Maple Leafs. Jim was proud to tell anyone who would listen, that he was part of the 1968 Cyclone Taylor Cup Championship Team.

In 1970 Jim was offered and accepted a Hockey Scholarship at Bemidji State University in Minnesota, where he was also a member of the golf team. After coming to the realization that he wasn’t going to make the NHL, Jim told us it was time to make a Life Decision, either Audition for Slap Shot 2 with Paul Newman and Hanson Brothers or “Get on with Life”. He chose to get on with Life and what a life it was!!

After moving back to Calgary With No Money and No Job, Jim returned to a familiar place to look for work, Willow Park Golf & Country Club.  His parents were original Members there, and Jim grew up playing Junior and Intermediate golf at the club.  Head Pro Bill Quilley hired him in April of 1971, Jim said he turned in his hockey stick and skates for a re-spike wrench, a shag bag to hand pick balls on the range and a wet towel to clean clubs.

By the end of June, he was the only Pro shop employee left and his probationary apprenticeship was in full swing resulting in a career that spanned over 50 years.

His passion for golf led him to the Royal Mayfair Golf and Country club in Edmonton under the leadership of Derek & Irene Gibson. Jim then accepted his first Head Professional job at Sturgeon Valley.  While in Edmonton, Jim and Shelley got together and eventually purchased a home in St. Albert.  According to Jim her contribution was the down payment and three children, his contribution was the mortgage payment and three used cars!

In 1982 Willow Park Golf & Country Club came calling!  Jim was offered & accepted the Head Professional Position. Shelley joined Jim in the Pro Shop which was the best move for “Me and Us” according to Jim.  As independent concessionaires, the dynamic duo in life and in business were recognized with numerous awards for their talent in merchandising and sales.

Jim has been the recipient of some notable awards and competitions including 1976 PGA of Alberta Championship, 1997 PGA Club Professional of the Year and 2003 PGA of Alberta Merchandiser of the year. Most recently Jim was recognized as the 4th member to receive the PGA of Alberta Lifetime Achievement Award in the Leadership Pillar.  Jim was also very proud to be a Life Member of the PGA of Canada.

Over his storied career Jim had the opportunity to play with Legends including Moe Norman, George Knudson, Stan Leonard, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Bob Charles and the Great Arnold Palmer.

Jim was also a philanthropist at heart and during his lifetime he and Shelley contributed personally to numerous charities. The one that held a special place in his heart was the Willow Park Charity Classic.  It all began in 1988 with a simple conversation, a glass (or two) of Scotch and notes on a napkin between Jim and Willow Park owner Amos Carpenter. Together that day they created something very special. To date the tournament has donated over 12.7 million dollars to various Calgary Charities.

Jim was “guilty” of sending out handwritten letters of congratulations and encouragement to award winners and new head professionals. He encouraged them to be faithful to their profession and pass on their skills to those that follow.

Jim encouraged them to make a difference in their pursuit of golf excellence.

Outside of Golf, Jim and Shelley loved to travel with trips to Bermuda, Florida, Palm Springs, Arizona, California, Cook Islands, Scotland, England and Wales just to name a few. Maui was their special place, where for over 30 years they enjoyed fun in the sun with their family and friends.

In retirement, Jim & Shelley spent many days travelling around Alberta watching their grandsons play hockey and lacrosse.  Jim always said he was on a personal mission to find the perfect arena hot dog!

"To the world he was a man, to us he was the world”

Jim is survived by his loving wife Shelley, his faithful fur buddy Oakley, his Children Kim Carrington (Joanne Johnson)

• Martin Carrington
• Tanya & Trevor Forbes, Grandsons Cody & Cale
• Sister Ismay Seyer, Sister in Law Laurie Martin
• Numerous & loving Nieces and Nephews
• Jim was predeceased by his Mother Ismay and his Father Jim

We are grateful to the incredible team of Doctors and Nurses at the Rockyview General Hospital Coronary Care Unit for the kindness & compassion given to Jim and our Family during the short time he was in their care.

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at a later date.

In Lieu of Flowers donations can be made to:

Rockyview General Hospital Coronary Care Unit

Heart & Stroke Foundation

Canadian Cancer Society