“The smile I get when you help people…you can’t put a price on that.”
A Legacy of Lifelong Impact
For over three decades, Jim has been a quiet force of change within Tetra Society, crafting over 100 ingenious devices that have profoundly improved the lives of people with disabilities. His story isn’t one of grand pronouncements, but of quiet dedication, fueled by a deep empathy and a knack for translating needs into tangible solutions.
Jim’s journey began in the 1980s with the Red Deer chapter, where he participated in numerous projects. One of his most significant early contributions was in the 1990s, when he dedicated 4,000 hours to building a camp for people with disabilities, complete with accommodations, meeting areas, and even hot air balloon rides. This experience ignited a passion for creating lasting impact.
In 1993, Jim began working more directly with Tetra Society, taking on projects in Edmonton, Red Deer, and even Calgary. He recalls a particularly impactful project from 2010, where he collaborated with a welder to create a custom device for a project by Silver Lake. However, it’s the stories of the custom beds he’s built that truly resonate.
“I designed and built seven beds for children who were in various stages of inability to do anything,” Jim explains. He describes how mothers were struggling to lift their growing children from floor-level cribs. Jim’s solution: he created beds with mattress height that can be easily raised and lowered, making it more comfortable for caregivers to tend to the children. “Lots of smiles from the caregivers, I can tell you,” he says.
One story stands out among them all: the “Alice in Wonderland” bed. Created in 2024 for a young girl named Alice who suffered from epileptic fits and frequently fell out of her bed, this project became the culmination of Jim’s dedication. With the help of a local welder, he built a bed that was not only safe, featuring a glass door to prevent falls, but also beautiful, decorated by Alice’s mother with whimsical Alice in Wonderland themes. “She went in there by herself the first night and went to sleep,” Jim recalls, his voice filled with emotion. “She hadn’t slept for months.”
Jim’s approach is unique. He doesn’t rely on complex engineering diagrams or theoretical calculations. Instead, he focuses on understanding the individual’s needs and then using his innate ingenuity and practical skills to create a custom solution. He uses readily available materials, often repurposing items from local stores, and works hands-on from the initial concept to the final product.
He shared a story about creating a specialized chair adaptation for a man who had been leaning uncomfortably for 25 years. By simply asking for two key dimensions, Jim was able to build a solution that allowed the man to sit upright and smile for the first time in years. “The thanks we get when we present is unbelievable,” Jim says.
Jim’s work hasn’t been without its challenges. He recounts a difficult project where he attempted to reverse a wheelchair for a child with limited body control. Despite multiple attempts, the design ultimately didn’t meet the child’s needs. This experience taught Jim the importance of managing expectations and understanding the limitations of each situation.
Throughout our conversation, Jim emphasized the importance of common sense and practical experience over formal engineering training. He expressed a desire to mentor young engineers, sharing his knowledge and helping them develop a more human-centered approach to design.
Now 84 (soon to be 85), Jim is stepping back from his intensive project work. He’s embarking on a new career of being a great-grandfather. His life motto is simple: “The smile I get… you can’t put a price on that.” He encourages future Tetra volunteers to focus on the need and to use their minds to find solutions. “It’s emotional,” he says of the work. “It drives you to do it again.”
Jim’s legacy is not just in the devices he’s built, but in the countless lives he’s touched. He is a true testament to the power of volunteerism and the profound difference one person can make.