Jim Brady, What a Contributor!

Written by Rad Joseph

Jim Brady of St. Catharines, Ontario (and previously, Whitby), had been active in lacrosse at every level since the 1950’s. Jim Brady was recipient of numerous awards for his ongoing and continued contributions to lacrosse. Jim was the Ontario Lacrosse Association’s “Mr. Lacrosse” in 1984. He has been to the Minto Cup as a coach or manager on six occasions, winning four times. He accumulated almost 500 wins as a coach.  He also spent time in the role of Commissioner for the Ontario Lacrosse Association’s Major Series League.

The facts are astounding - Jim Brady was involved in lacrosse at every level since 1950’s as an organizer, referee, coach, manager, and administrator. He is a winner of numerous awards for his continued contributions. Brady was the Ontario Lacrosse Association’s ‘Mr. Lacrosse’ in 1984 and has been to the Minto Cup Championships as a coach or manager on six occasions, winning four times (1980, 1990, 1991, and 1997). Brady boasted a record of over 475 wins as a coach or manager of junior teams, and his record has only improved. He was the O.L.A Jr “A” coach of the year three times (1984, 1989, and 1998). Brady also found time in 1997 and 1998 to act as the O.L.A. Major League commissioner.

When asked, Jim would tell you one of his career highlights was his role as General Manager and Assistant Coach with the 1980 CBC Builders Minto Cup Champions.

Each season, the Ontario Major Series Lacrosse League recognizes the outstanding contributions of players, coaches, volunteers, and more. Appropriately, the award is named after Jim Brady.

Jim Brady always had a presence. He could be blunt with his comments, but he was always honest and to the point. An exceptionally colourful character, Jim Brady was a fan of the game and he impacted so many leagues, teams, and individuals along his career.  His passing marks the end of an era.

Jim Brady has been inducted into the Whitby Sports Hall of Fame (2013), the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame (1998) and the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame (1998). He was the Coach and General Manager of the St. Catharines Junior “A” Athletics who won back-to-back Minto Cups (1990 and 1991) and were recently inducted into the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame in the team category (2020),

A date for a celebration of Jim’s life is forthcoming.

Rest in Peace, Jim.