The island of Jamaica is well known for producing some of the worlds greatest athletes, however, it is also the homeland of one of Ontario’s top 5 pin lane installers.
Gerry was born on December 6, 1923, the second of eleven children of Elvin and Doris James. His stay at home Mom and property owner Father, who also raised Polo horses provided a better than average youth. He attended private schools as a young lad and eventually graduated from Dinthill College, with a degree in Forestry.
He settled in Toronto in November 1947 and upon arriving he immediately stated looking for work. Gerry joined the Brunswick Balke Collender Company. He started out curing lumber in the kiln, which was used in manufacturing bowling lanes, pins and billiard tables. After two years he was transferred to the bowling lane installation crew. In 1951 Gerry joined the Midtown Bowl, as the floor manager. After a short stay, Gerry started a resurfacing and repair company under the name of Gerry James Bowling Services. This company was also responsible for the installation of many bowling centres during its six years in operation. There were Little Bowl in Goderich, Larry Smith Bowling Lanes in Collingwood, Gravenhurst Lanes in Gravenhurst and Don Deminco Bowling Lanes in Blind River, just to mention a few. In 1953, Gerry was giving a demonstration on bowling lane maintenance at Leon Hudecki Central Bowl in Hamilton.
During his travels throughout Ontario, Gerry met Allan Hunter, owner of a very successful pleasure craft manufacturing company located in Orillia, and was well known for the manufacturing of Canada’s famous “Fair Mile Sub Chaser” during World War Two.
In 1958 James and Hunter Company was formed. This company manufactured it’s own line of bowling equipment under the trade name of Maple Leaf Line. This included lanes, lane beds, gutters, kick backs, masking units, pins and seating. The first centre built under the “James and Hunter” banner, was Pinecrest Lanes in Port Hope. Other well known centres include Rainbow Lanes in Orillia and Olympia Bowl in Dorchester. This company operated until the passing of Allan Hunter in 1963. After Hunter’s death, Model Bowling Services was formed and continued to service and install bowling lanes until 1968. In 1975 his company hosted the Bowling Proprietors Association in Owen Sound.
Looking to expand his horizons, Gerry entered into a new endeavour, in the manufacturing ladies garments. The Victor-James Garment Company only lasted a few years. However, it was during this time that he met Faye Atkins in 1979. Gerry and Faye were married in 1986 and eventually settled in Markham.
In 1985 Markham Bowl sustained heavy water damage as a result of a fire in a store above the centre. Fred May, who was the Proprietor of Markham Bowl at the time, called upon Gerry’s company to repair the damage and install new lane beds. After completion of the renovations, Gerry purchased Markham Bow, and at the same time that Gerry was building Stellar Lanes in Newmarket.
During the mid 90’s Markham Bowl had a powerful YBC, winning most of the 4 Steps to Stardom team competitions year after year. Many of the youth bowlers went on to win National honours. When the bus came to pick up the teams for the Provincial Finals, the last stop was always at Markham Bowl because that’s where the majority of teams were from. Gerry made sure that the centre would open early on the Sunday morning so that the kids and their parents didn’t have to wait in the cold. He always made sure that there were enough donuts for everyone.
There have been two perfect games bowled at Markham Bowl, one by Mike Davies, a former Master Bowler with the youth league and one by Shawn Morris during an Open Zone roll-off. Mike and Shawn both received compensation for their accomplishments.
Over the years Markham Bowl has contributed to the Sunami Relief Fund and Mothers Against Drink Driving (MADD). During a five-year period a scholarship program was set up and Markham Bowl donated $500.00 each year for a graduating YBC senior bowler.
Gerry’s other passion is the sport of breeding and racing thoroughbred horses. His successful breeding program produced “Spring Barley” who recently held Woodbine’s track record for eight successive years. Stakes winners include “Jungle Design” who won the Southfield Stakes in Detroit. The walls of the Paddock Lounge in Markham Bowl are testament to many visits to the winner’s circle.
Gerry attributes his personal success to his undying pursuit of customer satisfaction and feels that he is very lucky to have survived in the bowling business for all these years. He has always been one of five pin bowling’s greatest supporters, from the aspect of both the bowling business owners and the bowlers alike.
In November, Gerry was inducted into the Ontario 5 Pin Hall of Fame as a Builder and it is our honour tonight to welcome him into the York Simcoe Hall of Fame and thank him for his continuing support of our five-pin game. Gerry becomes the second Proprietor to be inducted into this category along side Frank and Pauline Price.