The sudden passing of Jim Waters, owner of the Erie Otters, has sent shockwaves through the Ontario Hockey League and the local community. Waters, who was 73 years old, passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a lasting legacy as both owner and enthusiastic supporter of the Otters.
The Erie Otters announced the heartbreaking news on their official website on December 12, 2024. "The Erie Otters are devastated to report the sudden and unexpected passing of Jim Waters, team owner, OHL governor, and avid team supporter. Jim passed away this morning, leaving a great void..." the statement read. His family is still trying to absorb the shocking loss, as the team also conveyed sympathies to the community, stating, "Jim was not just our owner, but he was family to many of us here at the Otters."
Waters' commitment to hockey was evident from the moment he purchased the Otters from Sherwood "Sherry" Bassin on July 17, 2015. His dreams of owning a sports franchise had come true, and just two years after his purchase, Waters celebrated the championship victory when the team won the J. Ross Robertson Cup during the 2016-17 season. The Otters went on to compete at the Memorial Cup, marking one of the most significant achievements during his ownership.
OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford expressed the league’s sorrow over Waters' passing. "This is very sad news for so many people across the OHL," he said. He went on to highlight Waters' involvement with the Otters, stating, "Jim was very involved with the Otters franchise; it was real passion for him. He was not only brilliant and ambitious, but he achieved great things and treated others with genuine kindness. We’ll miss him very much." Crawford also conveyed his condolences to Sheila, Waters' wife, along with his daughters Maxine and Ellie.
Before dedicing his life to hockey, Waters had an illustrious career with CHUM Ltd., where he served as president from 1994 until 2006. His achievements included being named Broadcasting Executive of the Year at Canadian Music Week in 2001, with his contributions recognized by being inducted posthumously to the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame.
Tim Lukenda, Chairman of the OHL Board of Governors, also paid tribute to Waters, noting, "We’re thankful for Jim’s contributions over the course of his ownership tenure, and we’re all very saddened by this loss. Jim has done tremendous work in Erie. He was always very proud of the Otters, and we’ve all benefited from the vision and insight he’s brought to the OHL." The league intends to hold a moment of silence prior to each game throughout the weekend as players and fans alike reflect on Waters' life.
Waters was not only esteemed for his work with the Erie Otters but also made significant contributions to Canadian football by previously serving on the board of directors for the Ottawa Rough Riders of the CFL. His love for sports was clear, as he described his earlier years – like so many boys, aspiring to make it to the NHL. Though he didn’t realize his dream as a player, Waters found fulfillment and success within the world of media.
Fellow broadcaster and friend Ross Davies expressed his grief by saying, "I am gutted by the news of Jimmy’s passing... Our time together was full of hard work and fun... Jimmy loved his team and his team loved him."
Following his passing, many people within the OHL community have shared their condolences, recalling their fond memories of Jim and the immeasurable impact he had on everyone he met. His legacy will certainly continue to resonate throughout the league and broadcasting community.
Waters is remembered fondly by colleagues and fans alike. His character and kindness left a lasting mark not only on the Erie Otters but throughout the sport of hockey itself. While the team prepares for their upcoming game against the Saginaw Spirit at Erie Insurance Arena, the spirit of Jim Waters will be present as the League honors him across rinks nationwide.
