Town of Banff

Jim Buckingham

Banff Sports Hall of Fame -
2008: Builder

Banff Sports Hall of Fame - Jim Buckingham

Jim Buckingham personifies just what the “builder” category is all about. Every spring for over 30 years, “Bucky” has taught his now famous canoe course in Banff. The courses have always been full, with a waiting list, and by conservative estimates Jim has taught canoeing to over 1200 people, with a focus on safety and the tremendous value of a unique national park experience. Most Banff paddlers would agree that Jim has had a hand somehow in cultivating their paddling careers – and he even knows the secret of helping couples learn how to paddle together and still stay married!

But more than this, Jim has also inspired the Banff and Canmore schools to adopt a regular canoe program for the grade 6 classes. Over 1200 Bow Valley students have learned the valuable skills of a life activity, along with an appreciation for our environment, at the tireless, gentle hands of “Mr. Buck – the canoe boss”. The children find their inner strength, their own wisdom, and the importance of seeing these attributes in other people because Mr. Buck sees it in them and shows them how to look.

15-year-old Casey Robinson says “The first time Jim took me canoeing I was still in a car seat. He taught me how to paddle properly when I was five years old. Bucky always made me feel safe in a boat, and always gave me confidence, no matter how scary the rapids.”

Bucky also felt the need to spread a wider net in the world of canoe safety: he is regularly published in paddling journals and has promoted the safety message on many newscasts.

Jim’s passion, expertise, generosity of spirit, and genuine interest in sharing our rivers and mountains has influenced thousands and has had an enormous impact in our community. He is a role model for living and loving our mountain home, and for the standards of excellence we value in our community.