James Mooney Denison, Ph.D. of Edmonton, formerly of Larchmont, New York, passed away on Tuesday, February 13th, 2024. He was 60 years old.
Jim was the loving and devoted husband of Pirkko Markula-Denison as well as a dedicated educator and athletics coach
brimming with a vibrancy for life that radiated out to everyone he met. There was a
special place in his heart for Sakyla, Finland, the home of his beloved wife Pirkko, where summers and holidays were treasured for the saunas, swims and cycling excursions that were a large part of the natural flow of life he shared with her.
As Professor of Coaching Studies in Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation (2007-2024) at the University of Alberta he will be remembered fondly as a passionate advocate for
advancing the study of coaching from a socio-cultural perspective. His informal
conversations, formal lectures, presentations and numerous academic publications
provided keen insights that inspired his colleagues, and his many devoted graduate students.
An avid sportsman and runner his whole life, he competed successfully in middle-
distance races notching many podium finishes including an impressive personal best of 3:43:50 in the 1500 meters as a NCAA Division I runner for Fordham University in the Bronx, New York. Teammates loved him, competitors respected him and they all could count on him for camaraderie and enduring friendships. He also coached and counseled so many young athletes, including his nieces and nephews—improving their running
techniques while helping them navigate a young person’s life challenges with compassion and understanding.
With the wider world, Jim shared his enthusiasm for athletics and running in his popular and critically acclaimed books about famed Ethiopian runner Haile Gebrselassie (The Greatest: The Haile Gebrselassie story. New York: Breakaway Books), and the athletes who were among the first to break the four minute mile. (Bannister and Beyond: The mystique of the four-minute mile. New York: Breakaway Books).
Before Jim arrived at the University of Alberta, he taught at the University of Waikato, New Zealand, and the University of Bath in the United Kingdom. He earned his Ph.D. in sport sociology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois. He maintained longterm relationships, professional and personal, with many colleagues from those and other academic institutions. His devoted family (sister Mary Ellen, brothers David and Andy, and many nieces and nephews), neighbors and friends from his many stops along the way to Edmonton will dearly miss his ever present smile, bonhomie and unflagging optimism.
Funeral services will be private.
Jim was my professor at the University of Alberta and someone I considered a mentor as I moved through my academic career. Of all the educators I have met, he stands with very few as one of the best teachers and of course, finest people I have ever met. I was shocked to learn of his passing as unfortunately it had been some time since our last email correspondence. But I felt the need to come here to say that Jim truly was special. He’s a huge reason why I am where I am today and I will sincerely miss our conversations.
I want to thank him for everything he’s done for me and I send my deepest condolences to his family. He will be deeply missed.
Syvin osanottoni. Niin tuoreessa muistissa yhä lämminhenkinen ja vieraanvarainen tapaaminen Waikatossa. Aivan liian lyhyt on ihmisen elämä!
I didn’t know Jim as an athlete or in any academic context, although we met at the University of Illinois. We became friends while working on a design project. In addition to all his talents and contributions to the world of sports, academia and beyond, he had an intuitive sense of design. His relentless enthusiasm and work ethic made him an invaluable teammate and leader- in any field. He was also a good friend who I will always remember. My deepest sympathies to Pirkko and the Denison family.
I first met Jim in 1994 when he and Pirkko arrived in New Zealand to join our staff at the University of Waikato. During their seven years ‘down under’ both were loved and respected by all. Jim quickly became a very respected academic. It was a very sad day and many tears were shared when Jim’s friends and colleagues at the bottom of the world learned of his passing. Our condolences and much aroha to Pirkko and the Denison family. Kia kaha.
My prayers are with Jim’s family
I too ran with Jim at Fordham. He was not only a great teammate, hard worker and tough competitor, but an all around great guy. Sending my condolences and prayers to his family.
Sending my deepest sympathies and prayers to the Denison family and friends. I consider myself blessed to have known Jim from Larchmont, Fordham and the Westchester Track Club. His positive spirit and dedication to excellence and perseverance will long be remembered with “hope in our hearts and wings on our heels.”
Jimmy, a quiet voice ( until he was ready to compete), was a verystrong advocate of what a track athlete should be. There were no short cuts! Just work hard.
I am so sorry to hear about Jim passing. He always had a kind smile and words in the short time I knew him while on the Fordham Track & Cross Country team.
My condolences to the Denison Family.
So sorry to her the loss of Jim.
He was a great teammate at Fordham and loved running and the sport.
We will miss him.
Our condolences to his wife and family.
My thoughts and prayers are with Jim’s family at this difficult time. No one could ask for a better teammate, roommate or friend than Jim, he was the best of us.
So sorry to hear. My condolences to the Denison family.
My prayers are with the Denison family.
I ran with Jim at Fordham. Good times were had by all. One of the most memorable races was a 2-mile relay at Penn were we narrowly came in second, and Jim anchored running a splendid race. His books are outstanding. He was a great teammate and will be sorely missed. Too young to go.
Jim had a big heart and put himself into his work, both in the classroom and on the track. He was a good man. I’m lucky to’ve been his teammate and suitemate in school, and remain another of his many fans.
Sending you all prayers for your peace of mind.
I’m so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. I haven’t seen him since my days at Fordham. He was a true inspiration for all of us on the Fordham Track and X-C teams. He was always someone you could count on. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Lämmin osanottomme.
Tuula ja Mikael Cornu
Rakas Jim!
Vuosien myötä sinusta tuli oikea Säkylä Man ja jäämme kaipaamaan avoimmuuttasi ja lämpöäsi.
Rakas Pirkko!
Olet ajatuksissamme.
Rakastavin ja voimaa antavin ajatuksin
Airi, Irene ja Esko Mäkitalo
Juha Markula ja Kirsi Kohtamäki
Jim, you will be missed. You always made time for myself and others in the field. Beyond the amazing academic work I always enjoyed catching up with you at conferences and the stories you shared about family. Rest in peace.
We mourn you, Jim. This hurts badly. Much aroha to Pirkko. Rest In Peace, my friend.