Farewell to a fixture — Jim Booth set to retire

After more than 30 years at the helm of Ancillary Services at the University of Lethbridge, Jim Booth has his eyes on a different prize — spending more time with his wife Gitte, his son, his stepdaughter and son-in-law, and a six-month-old granddaughter. 

“I love what I do,” he says. “It’s bittersweet to leave, but it’s time. I have been preparing for this moment for the last two or three years, and I think the change when I leave will be seamless. We’ve got an amazing team that does an extraordinary job — we won’t miss a beat.” 

Jim was born in Montreal, and his family moved west to Alberta in the late 1960s. After high school, Jim attended the University of Alberta and completed a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Commerce and Business Administration. 

After working in Edmonton for a while, he headed off to Toronto. He joined IMASCO group as the Director of the Den for Men chain and moved into the technology realm as Chief Information Officer for the UCS Group. The role involved considerable business travel from coast to coast across Canada. 

“I was away from home too much and came to the conclusion it was time for a change,” he says. “I decided I would look for something that had less travel, and looking to Alberta meant being closer to my brother, who’s still in Edmonton, and my mom and dad. I answered an opportunity at the University of Lethbridge for someone who could manage the businesses on campus.” 

Then-president Dr. Howard Tennant hired him as Director of Ancillary Services in June 1994. Ancillary Services includes the Bookstore, Housing Services and student residences, Conference Services and Food and Catering Services. 

About a year and a half after moving to Lethbridge, Jim became a single parent with a four-year-old. Having the stability of his university job and not having to travel ensured he could be there for his son. 

“I’ve been very lucky to have wonderful family, friends and colleagues support me from the time I arrived,” he says, adding that son Ryan and stepdaughter Majken are both proud University of Lethbridge alumni. “Over the years, the University has been a great place to work. I am proud to have contributed to the success of the institution, whether financially or in support of our students, faculty and staff.” 

With retirement in the offing, Jim and Gitte are looking forward to travelling and spending more time with family and friends. His last day on campus is Thursday, Nov. 28. A retirement celebration is planned for sometime in February.

“The University has afforded me a wonderful career and so many good memories with friends and colleagues,” he says. “It’s been a great ride, but it’s time to change gears.”