James R. "Jim" SHAW

SHAW, James "Jim" R.
It is with great sadness that the family of James R. Shaw (Jim Shaw), former Chief Executive Officer of Shaw Communications Inc., announces his passing on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 after a brief illness. A leader and visionary who never stopped caring for others, Jim will be lovingly and forever remembered by his wife Kathryn, his mother Carol, his father JR, his children Haley (Fred), Parker (Megan), Kennedy, Kathryn's children Monty, Katelyn, Carly, his mother-in-law Janet, his sisters Heather (Jim) and Julie (Terry), and his brother Brad (Michelle) as well as his many special nieces and nephews and friends, including his furry friend Pepper.
Jim Shaw, who helped build Shaw Communications into one of Canada's largest telecommunications and media companies, was 60 years old at the time of his passing.
Jim was the Vice Chair and a Director of Shaw Communications, however, one of his proudest affiliations was his impactful giving to Shawnigan Lake School, the largest boarding school on Vancouver Island where Jim had attended in his teens, excelling in rugby, rowing and sculling, and would later go on to serve the School's board for 8 years. Jim never forgot the importance of those years at Shawnigan and the discipline it instilled in him. This was reflected in his creation of the Shaw Scholarships Program, providing opportunities for students to attend the school that would not otherwise be available to them and the gifting of the Jim and Kathryn Shaw Library. This was all part of Jim's pursuit of creating better Canadians.
In addition, Jim was Chairman of the Canadian Cable Television Association from 1996 to 2002, and served as a member of the Boards of Cancom, GT Group Telecom, Microcell, United Acquisition Corp and CableLabs. Jim was also a longstanding and active member of the Young Presidents Organization.
Jim was born in Sarnia, Ontario on July 29, 1957. Jim was the ever curious and always on the move first-born child of JR and Carol Shaw. Shortly after Jim was born, the family relocated to Edmonton, Alberta where JR founded Capital Cable Television Company Ltd., the predecessor to Shaw Communications Inc.
Jim started school in Edmonton before ultimately moving to Shawnigan Lake School during his high school years. After graduating, Jim transitioned from his fledgling tree farm company in Edmonton to working in his father's cable television business. Jim was initially concerned about reporting to his father, but he needn't have worried. As Jim would later chuckle, a guy who digs ditches and climbs poles doesn't report to the CEO. Jim learned the business from the ground-up, working in construction, service/installations and customer service before his first management position as System Manager in Victoria in 1986. Jim demonstrated tremendous leadership qualities and ascended to the role of Senior VP Operations in Shaw's corporate headquarters in Edmonton.
In 1998, JR passed the mantle to Jim "very willingly, with best wishes and love", in JR's words, and Jim became the CEO of Shaw Communications Inc. Under Jim's leadership, it was clear that Shaw was on a trajectory of growth having consolidated the industry through multiple acquisitions in Ontario, New Brunswick and the Western Provinces followed by: entry into the telephone business; industry leading growth in broadband; and eventually, entry into the media business with the acquisition of Canwest/Global. In 2000 after one of Jim's famous handshakes over dinner, Jim's special relationship with Ted Rogers resulted in a deal to swap all of Shaw's assets in Eastern Canada for Rogers' assets in the West. This was the largest transaction of its kind in the history of the industry in Canada and provided both companies with new opportunities to expand and develop within their respective regions.
It was clear that JR showed immense wisdom and trust in passing the torch to Jim. Jim thrived in his leadership of Shaw and never disappointed. He was a maverick, unconventional and was loved and respected by those close to him and throughout the company. Jim was thorough and approached everything from all angles since, as he would often say, there are many ways to Sunday.
As many who had worked closely with Jim knew, Jim followed his dreams not rules. He was a fierce advocate for his customers and was passionate about doing right by them. Issues he wrestled with, like Fee for Carriage, The Canadian Programming Fund and Net Neutrality, were all driven by his advocacy for customers and at times resulted in him bumping heads with industry and regulatory leaders. In spite of this, Jim was fearless in his commitment to customers.
Jim has been described as Relentless, Creative, Courageous, Loyal, Thoughtful, Loving and extremely Giving. Jim cherished his many friends, but his heroes included Winston Churchill, his father JR and his mother Carol. Jim set high expectations for himself, sometimes to a fault. He always gave 100 percent of himself whether at work or play. However, Jim also enjoyed his quiet moments, spent looking over the lake or walking through his beautiful gardens in the Okanagan. This was time when he would gather his thoughts and relish his blessings. He had unconditional love for his family and freely expressed it.
From the early age of 10, Jim acquired a lifetime passion for fishing that he shared with his son, Parker and they spent many hours fishing together. Some of Jim's most special moments were also spent fishing off the coast of Florida on his boat with Kathryn. This is where they bonded and found love.
Jim respected and had a passion for art. This was reflected in the many beautiful paintings and works that were displayed with pride in their homes becoming a part of who he was. Jim's love for watches symbolized his appreciation for time.
Monday nights were special and were set aside for Jim and his very close friends to gather and watch his favourite NFL teams duke it out. This love of football was apparent for all to see as in Kelowna he flew the Buccaneers Jolly Roger from a flag pole mounted at the end of his dock.
Jim loved to feed the small birds that congregated in his lush gardens and nurtured the many flowers that grew in it.
Jim loved the Christmas Season and especially his mother's Christmas cinnamon buns. The 40-foot tree stands as a testament of this outside the Shaw Building in Calgary.
Jim will always be remembered as a caring father, devoted husband, loving brother, loyal son and a true friend.
Jim will be deeply missed, but as with anyone that has made such achievements in life, the stories and memories of the person he was will never be forgotten.
Friends and family may celebrate Jim's life on Friday, January 12, 2018 at the Calgary Stampede Big Four Roadhouse, 1801 Big Four Trail in Calgary, Alberta, between 1-4 p.m. with the program starting at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, any donations or volunteer actions that support his charitable interests would continue to fulfill his hopes and vision for helping others. Jim was committed in his support of The Mustard Seed, The Food Bank and The Calgary Women's Shelter. "Let's continue to help Jim create better Canadians."
If Jim were writing this himself he would say, "Enough about me…start the fireworks and Git Er Done!!!" Happy Trails Jim!