Raymond James Dusang

Jim Dusang passed away on August 29th, 2026 at the age of 64.

To the Western Canadian sports community, Jim, affectionately known by many as “Judoka Jim,” was a titan, a prodigy, and an undeniable master of the mat. Born in Vancouver, his extraordinary athletic talent was unmistakable from the start. By age nine, he was featured in local newspapers for throwing grown men at the PNE, and by fourteen, he was performing expert judo demonstrations across the region also competing in wrestling throughout his teenage years.

Jim later became a national champion in both wrestling and judo, and he earned a place on the 1980 Canadian Olympic roster for wrestling before later moving to Fort McMurray, Alberta. After joining the Ni Ten Judo Club, Fort McMurray became the foundation of his elite senior athletic career, and he quickly became one of the region’s standout competitors. From this base, he competed extensively at the provincial and national levels and, also took part in cross‑border tournaments in the United States. At one point in his career, he achieved an extraordinary run of ninety wins in one hundred matches. In 1986, he captured gold at the Tacoma Open, winning the final match by ippon in just thirty seconds. Throughout these years on the competitive circuit, Jim was a dominant force who ruled his weight class with unmatched ferocity and skill. He was known for a highly versatile and fiercely competitive style that set him apart from his peers. Jim later attempted a return to high level competition in the lead up to the 1988 Olympic cycle, a period that was covered closely in Fort McMurray and the surrounding region.

Jim’s achievements are all the more extraordinary because they were forged through sheer grit, pride, and personal sacrifice during an era when amateur athletes received little to no financial support. He trained and competed at a world‑class level while carrying the full burden of self‑funding his journey. Although international politics and the historic 1980 Olympic boycott prevented his team from competing in Moscow, nothing could diminish the greatness he earned through many years of relentless discipline and drive.

Jim’s legacy continues through his three children, Kayla, Troy & Kelsey-Lynn and his grandchildren. He was part of a large, tight‑knit circle of siblings who supported him throughout his life, and they will remember him at his finest, defined by his sharp wit, his protective nature, and the many moments of pride and laughter they shared.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, Theresa & Ray, and his beloved siblings, Rosemary & John. His memory will be forever cherished by his surviving siblings, Robert (Joan), Marguerite (Bob), Carol & Linda (Dean), his children, his grandchildren, and the wide community of teammates, training partners, and lifelong friends who once shared the arena with him.

The final match is fought, the weights are down, and the competitor is at rest.

A gathering to honor Jim’s life will be held on October 3rd at 11am at Connaught Heights Pentecostal Assembly, New Westminster, BC.