Jimmy Lomax

scotto

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There is much more to add, but here is some history on Jimmy Lomax and Operation Santa Claus.


(Established 1958)
For those who have not had the opportunity to learn of Operation Santa Claus and the work of Jimmy and Susan Lomax, and their son Ryan the following is some history and a list of awards, presentations, proclamations and noteworthy news items concerning Jimmy Lomax and "Operation Santa Claus"

June 26, 1976- Jimmy receives gifts for "Operation Santa Claus" from the wife of the late Shah of Iran (Empress Farah).

December 9, 1977- Honoured by The Regional Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth by Chairman Ann H. Jones.

February 25, 1980- Presented with Outstanding Young Hamiltonian Award by the Hamilton Jaycees for 1979.

July 1, 1980- Presented with the Ontario Medal for Outstanding Citizenship by Premier William Davis and Lieut. Governor Pauline McGibbon. Event took place in the offices of the Lieutenant Governor at Queens Park. The letters O.M.C., as designated by an Order in Council, can now be used following Jim's surname.

1980- Jimmy voted "most Christmassy Canadian of the year" by The Canadian Living Magazine.

December 23, 1980- Jimmy, wife Susan and their son Ryan were presented with a trip to Disney World and Florida by 28 local businessmen. The event was spearheaded by Terry Home, V.P. Merchandising for The G.W.Robinson Dept. Stores. The vacation started January 10, 1981 and Jim and his family were given the "red carpet" treatment at Disney World.

January 1981- Presented with The Distinguished Citizenship Award by Mayor Bill Powell on behalf of the Ad & Sales Club for the year 1980.


June 1981- Presented with the Communication and Leadership Award by the Hamilton Steeltown Toastmasters Club.

June 26, 1981- Mayor Bill Powell proclaims "Christmas in July".

December 1981- The Canadian Mental Health Association awarded Jim with a plaque for his role as "Santa" to their clients.


1983- On the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of Jimmy's "Operation Santa Claus, the Lomax family was presented with a silver tray by their friends at the Mental Health Association.

December 19, 1983- Jimmy officially appointed a member of the Order of Canada; he is now entitled to use the initials C.M. after his name, as well as O.M.C. after receiving The Ontario Medal.

April 11, 1984- Presented with The Order of Canada by the Governor General at Government House.

December 23, 1987- A 2-page article appears in The Hamilton Spectator: The Life and Legend of Jimmy Lomax.
Readers Digest's December issue features a story about Hamilton's favourite Santa Claus "Jimmy Lomax".

Spring 1988- In recognition of his volunteer service the Ontario Government honoured Jimmy with an award. It was presented jointly by The Ministry of Citizenship and The Ministry of Culture and Communications with presentation being made by The Honourable Dr. Lily Munro, Minister of Culture & Communications.
The Hamilton & District Association for the Mentally Retarded honoured Jim for his volunteer work with their organization.

December 6, 1988- Television Network CTV and Lifetime followed Santa on his rounds. This was a half hour presentation shown coast to coast. In depth interviews were conducted with both Jim and Susan Lomax.

December 15, 1988- Presented with the Paul Harris Fellow Award and Medal by The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.

September 1989- Santa's Workshop (building 60 x 14 feet, valued at $70,000) built in Santa's backyard. All material donated by area businessmen and erected by all area building tradesmen. Frost fencing (donated by Stelco) wooden fencing (donated by Rainham Fencing) installed by volunteers; help was also received from The City of Hamilton and the Mayor's office. Santa's Workshop now complete.

December22, 1989- CBC presents Spirit of St. Nicholas. Presentation includes the story of "Operation Santa Claus".

December 1989- Jimmy Lomax presented with Honorary Graduation Diploma from Delta Secondary School by Chris Ward, Minister of Education.

1990- In Jimmy's name, Delta Secondary School awards a student volunteer with Highest Achievment Award.

1991- Jimmy is Honorary Parade Marshall for Stoney Creek's Flag Day Parade.

1992- In recognition of their volunteer efforts Jim and Susan Lomax receive the Canada 125 Medal.

1993- Jimmy Lomax is Grand Marshall of Festival of Pride Parade in Hamilton.


In addition to the above recognition Jimmy has received.


A Special Citation from the President of McDonald's Restaurants, Mr. George A. Cohen.

The Ronald McDonald Recognition Award.

From the City of Brantford an Honourary Citizenship and gift.

An award from Radio Station 1280 C.H.A.M. for his contribution to the community.

In his honour, his friends at Hamilton's Child Development Centre arranged a pot-luck supper and presented him with a plaque.

He is an Honorary Member of The Hamilton Public Relations Association; award presented by President Joe Barbera.


Jim and his family and the story of "Operation Santa Claus" have been featured in such publications as The Canadian Living Magazine, The Hamilton Magazine, Stelco Flash, Steel Shots, as well as The Toronto Star, The Spectator, Stoney Creek News, Burlington Post and several newspapers published out of the country.

In 1980 Jimmy was interviewed by Canada's Charlie Farquharson (Don Herron) and broadcast live coast to coast. He has made news broadcasts on various TV stations in Hamilton, Toronto and in the U.S.A.

Any volunteer or monetary contribution that you can make to OPERATION SANTA CLAUS will help put a smile on the face of a needy child or lonely senior at Christmas.
:tbu:


Check out our photo gallery to view pictures of Jimmy...
http://www.hamiltonbeachcommunity.com/gallery/album12
 

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scotto

Administrator
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Feb 15, 2004
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The Beach Strip
#2
Just to add...

Jimmy and Susan Lomax were the Honourary Grand Marshall at the Hamilton Santa Clause parade held a week ago Saturday, if you missed them, you will be able to see them again at the Stoney Creek parade to be held December 4th.

 

scotto

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Another milestone to add;
Jimmy and Susan were the Honourary Grand Marshalls at the Stoney Creek Santa Claus Parade held last Saturday, December 4th, 2010.


 

scotto

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Jimmy Inducted into the Santa Claus Hall of Fame

Posted with permission from the Hamilton Spectator
______________________________________________

The Hamilton Spectator
Stacey Escott
Wed Dec 28 2011

The Jimmy Lomax legend continues


Hamilton’s own Santa Claus, Jimmy Lomax, has been recognized by the highest authority when it comes to the North Pole — the Santa Claus Hall of Fame.

Lomax joins Victor Nevada of Calgary as the first Canadians to be inducted into the hall and is among an exclusive list of 24 legends who have made a significant contribution in the name of old St. Nick.

The Santa Claus Hall of Fame is located inside Santa’s Candy Castle in Santa Claus, Ind., and is situated near Christmas Lake, Lake Noel and Lake Holly. Surrounding streets include Sleigh Bell Drive, Ornament Crescent and Snowball Lane.

Bob Boyter and Larry Lantz, both local Santas, were responsible for putting an extensive package together for Lomax’s nomination. The initiative began before Lomax died Oct. 9.

Boyter thought Lomax was an ideal candidate.

“For the number of years he was Santa Claus in Hamilton — he’s probably one of the most selfless persons I’ve ever met in my life as far as doing things for other people,” said Boyter.

Lomax’s life revolved around the fact that he played Santa at Christmastime and generated presents for the less fortunate, Boyter added.

Lomax spent more than half a century working on Operation Santa Claus, a charitable gift drive he ran with his wife, Susan. Every year, the man with the white beard would don his red suit and hand out gifts to Hamilton’s sick and needy. Before he retired, the Stelco steelworker of 38 years would take time off without pay to run his charity.

As part of the nomination package, Boyter went back into the 52 years Lomax ran his charity and tallied the money he raised through sponsors and support for gifts. To his amazement, Boyter figured out that Lomax had generated $9 million throughout his time as Santa Claus.

“The amount of hours and the time he put into it was phenomenal,” Boyter said.

In 1983, Lomax was admitted to the Order of Canada. Among his other achievements, Lomax received the Ontario Medal for Outstanding Citizenship, Hamilton’s Distinguished Citizen of the Year and the Queen’s Jubilee Medal. Canadian Living magazine named him the “most Christmasy person” of 1981.

Lomax’s brother Bruce said it’s nice that he is getting the recognition he deserves. He brought joy to many people who needed it, including those in nursing homes who needed a pickup at Christmas just as much as the children did.

“I think he would have been proud; he was a fine man, my brother. I’m proud of him, I miss him,” said Bruce.

Lomax, Boyter and Lantz belonged to a cross-Canada group of Santas, the Regional Municipality of the North Pole, which holds get-togethers a few times a year. They also belong to a group in the United States called Claus Net, the largest social network and online resource for all things Santa.

The Santa Claus Hall of Fame was born out of Claus Net. The inaugural 14 inductees were announced in December 2010, and 10 more, including Lomax, were announced Dec. 22.

“We are just thrilled that he got in and is being recognized,” Boyter said.

sescott@thespec.com

905-526-3214
 
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