Jim Titley has been contributing to the lives of Spruce Grove’s youth for more than 41 years. Since 1968, when he joined his brother Bill as head coach of the Spruce Grove Elks’ Boxing Club, he has been a role model and mentor to our young people.

Recently named Boxing Coach of the Year by Boxing Alberta, Jim trained another Awards of Excellence inductee, Kelly Perlette. Throughout his coaching career he has been known for his dedication and commitment to the sport, and also to the young people he trained.

His coaching style emphasized technical skills and fitness, along with self-discipline, self esteem, teamwork and good sportsmanship. In supporting his nomination, his former students have also noted that he always made it fun, instilling in each athlete a sense of belonging to a family.

Perhaps most notable in the recommendations and supporting documentation for this nomination is the recognition that Jim Titley has done more than promote boxing and train athletes. He has also instilled in countless young people the values and attributes that make them remarkable people in their own right.

Under Jim Titley’s guidance, these young people have learned to be compassionate, caring and generous individuals. They have learned to treat others with respect and to give freely of their time and talents. He not only taught them to be fair in competition but also in life. In many cases, he helped young people turn their lives around to become positive contributors to society and ambassadors for Spruce Grove.

They also point out the fact that he made many sacrifices for his boxing family over the years, including spending time away from his family, thousands of miles of travelling and opening his home to visiting athletes.

Jim Titley is also described as an extremely humble man who does not even realize the impact that his time and commitment have had on the youth of Spruce Grove.

Jim Titley is a model of the positive attributes of exercise, good health, self-discipline, fair play, leadership, sportsmanship, personal commitment and dedication to his students. He is a most deserving inductee into the Spruce Grove Awards of Excellence.