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“Big Jim” as he was affectionately called by his colleagues joined the Glenlyon staff in 1978 through to 1987. A dedicated and passionate teacher, Jim de Goede started out as the grade 5 “soothsayer”, moving to grade 6 in the latter part of his stay. He became heavily involved with the soccer programme at the Junior and Senior level, accompanying David Auld with the U-13 team on their inaugural participation in the CAIS Tournament in 1979. He demonstrated a rookie’s courage by taking on the Debating programme, a new venture that demanded he learn all about debating from scratch. His teams over the next eight years enjoyed wonderful successes in local, Vancouver Island and provincial tournaments (above right). He even took on the role of School Safety Patrol leader for a while, overseeing correct patrol procedures and safety in the morning and afternoon at the busy Beach Drive crosswalk.
Jim came to the school straight out of his UVic education and with a wealth of experience in soccer. As a member of the Vic West Soccer Club, which enjoyed a soccer dynasty during the 1970’s and early 1980’s, Jim was the standout goalkeeper for the team. Between 1974 and 1985 he won four Canadian Club Championships; six provincial titles; seven Vancouver Island Jackson Cups as club champions; VISL Most Valuable player in the Jackson Cup Final for 1974 (above left); and VISL Division 1 Keeper of the Year in 1985.
At 6’4”, you might think that Mr. de Goede was an intimidating teacher in front of young Grade 5 and 6 students, but although he “took no guff” from them, his kind, thoughtful, instructive commitment to their development was respected with the highest regard by students, staff and parents alike.
In case you were wondering, Jim does have connections to other well-known de Goedes. He is one of five brothers that include Hans, past captain of Canadian rugby teams; Thyssen, also a Canadian rugby player; John, a U. of Saskatchewan Huskie basketball player; uncle to Sophie, current captain of Canada Women’s rugby and dad to Olivia, long time goalie for UVic and UBC soccer teams with whom she won a Canadian U Sports title in 2015.
Jim went on to teach for 23 years at SMUS, but still remains happily in contact with a number of the staff and students he worked with at “The Beach”.
Footnote: Three GNS Alumni who also received VISL soccer Awards in recent years –
David Tuckey (‘92) won the Dr.D.J.Hunter Most Valuable player in Div.1 Award 2002-03.
Eoin Carroll (‘93) won the Alex Hylan MVP Award in the Tony Grover Memorial Cup in 2006.
Joel Wilson (‘06) won the Lou DeCosta Keeper of the Year Div.1 in 2012, 2013 and 2015.
