James Ross Gould

“So, I'm sailing, yeah, I'm sailing on.”

Son, brother, uncle, coach, athlete, life of the party…James Ross Gould passed away at home at the age of 53.

Exceedingly charming, Jamie had a twinkle in his eye and wore an expression that was something between a wry smile and a devilish grin. It seemed he knew something that you did not, or that he was the only one in on the joke. There was never a dull moment when Jamie was around. James Ross Gould was colourful, fun and energetic – a truly unforgettable character.

Jamie spent school years at Earl Grey, Strathcona-Tweedsmuir and Rideau Park – but only when he wasn’t ripping down slopes in the Canadian Rockies, ski racing. He was a fixture in Calgary’s bar scene in the 80s – handsome and well dressed, he and his friends travelled around town in his distinctive white Mustang. After finishing high school at Western Canada, Jamie attended Selkirk College to study Ski Resort Management. He left before completing his degree, realizing that the mountains were his classroom of choice. Jamie found his calling coaching ski teams in Canada, Australia and the US. Eventually focusing on the technical side of the sport while working with Alpine Canada’s Paralympic team, where he found great success.

Work affirmed Jamie’s love of travel, as well as a preference for warm climes, spicy food and high energy music. The band, Bad Brains, provided the soundtrack to his life. Loud, fast and unconventional, these fusion pioneers encapsulated Jamie’s personality – their music fed his soul. He loved sports and was as competitive on the tennis court as he was on the hill. A devoted spectator and fan, he cheered on the Flames, Stamps, Raptors and Jays. The Los Angeles Clippers were a recent obsession, and Jamie’s coaching background emerged following each game as he analyzed player strengths and weaknesses as well as outcomes.

Pre-deceased by his parents, Shirlee (nee Cojocar) and Ray Gould, as well as numerous cats and beagles. Jamie is survived by his loving sister Andrea Gould, brother-in-law Paul Valentine, niece Maggie, nephews Ross and Hugh, and his beloved cat, Taco. He leaves behind a vast array of friends scattered throughout the globe.

Family would like to thank staff and doctors at the Foothills Unit 46, as well as the saints and angels from AHS Home Care who supported Jamie in recent weeks. Special thanks to Jamie’s three amigos Mike, James, and JM, for the love they showed to Uncle Jim Jam in his final days. Profound thanks to Bad Brain’s HR for his words of encouragement when it mattered most.

A private memorial is planned, and a larger event will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Alpine Canada.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Ross Gould, please visit our floral store.