Jim Ek
(Deceased)

Pioneers of Yesterday
2000

In 1947, he started his bowling career in the junior leagues in Rochester, Minnesota.  In 1950, he moved up from the junior leagues to bowling in ABC leagues.  In 1956-57, was a member of the 7th Army team.  At the national level, was a member of a Peterson Classic "Team" Championship team and has participated in 38 Peterson Classics as of 1996.  Once qualified for a BPAA sponsored National Doubles tournament and along with his partner, finished in 32nd place.  In 1972, led his team with 681 to the St. Paul City team Championship title and also earned the George Dodor Memorial award for having the high "actual" series for that event.  Once was second in doubles in the Minnesota "State" tournament.  Has won a Minnehaha Open Doubles title with his son, Keith.  A member of St. Paul's All City team for the 1971-72 season. Since his start in ABC leagues; he has won the high average title three times in the Hillcrest Classic League, once in the Hillcrest Major League, twice in the Tousley Ford Classic League, and twice in the North Star Classic League.  Has for two years, coached juniors at his home bowling center and for four years, coached a Junior Traveling League.  A lifetime ABC composite league average of 200+ through the 1998-99 season.  Has rolled three 300's (the last at the age of 64 in 1997 at Maplewood Bowl), between 150 and 200 - 700 plus series, high series is 792 and his high final season average to date is 213.