MHADRTA recognized an extraordinary gentleman with its 2025 Volunteer of
the Year Award at its February 12 General Meeting. A teacher, former
administrator, husband, father, grandfather, and friend to so many—Jim
Kaupp is a very humble man who gives freely of himself and asks for nothing
in return.
Jim was the friendly face you saw at every general meeting greeting you
upon your arrival. He was in charge and the head of the one-person
Membership Committee which he faithfully served for more than fifteen
years before retiring from that position this past year.
Jim’s teaching career has taken him to several Alberta locations. He began
his teaching career in Fort McMurray in the late 1970’s. After three years, he
moved south to Gem. In 1982 upon joining Medicine Catholic School
Division, he remained there for the rest of his teaching career. He started at
St. Francis School as a teacher before becoming Principal of the school in
1986. Jim also served at St. Thomas Aquinas School as Principal, after which
he left administration and returned to the classroom full-time at Mother
Teresa School where he taught for the last ten years of his career—retiring in
2007.
Jim and his wife, Joan, are the proud parents of six children and are now the
proud grandparents of fifteen grandchildren. In a few weeks, Jim and Joan
will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.
Volunteering has been in Jim’s blood ever since the early 1970’s when he
volunteered to work with troubled youth during his days in Grande Prairie by
taking them on outings and camping trips. During his teaching career, there
wasn’t one year that passed without Jim serving on one or more of the
school district committees. One of his favourites was the many years he
spent on the City Science Fair Committee. As his children were growing up,
they became involved into several activities. Jim helped coach Little League,
and spent time with Junior Forest Wardens. The majority of his volunteer
time was spent in the many, many hours helping the Girl Guide Camp
Maintenance Committee. As the children grew older, his focus on
volunteering turned to the church—serving for many years as Eucharistic
Minister at St. Patrick’s Church. Since moving to the south side of the city,
Jim and Joan continue to be parishioners of Holy Family Parish.
After retiring in 2007, and joining MHADRTA, Jim turned his energy to the
Membership Committee of MHADRTA where he faithfully and meticulously
kept records, prepared membership cards and created the name tags which
we wear at each meeting.

Jim also organizes a group of friends and former colleagues to a twice a
month get together—which he has done for many years and continues to do
by sending out reminders prior to each get together.
It was a pleasure to nominate Jim for this award. Jim is truly a most
deserving and worthy recipient of the 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award.
MHADRTA is proud and honoured to recognize you, Jim, with a certificate
from ARTA, gifts from ARTA and MHADRTA, and a beautiful bouquet of
flowers for your wife! Congratulations, Jim!

Proudly nominated by Mel Deydey, Past President, MHADRTA