Jim McWilliams was a UBC Faculty of Forestry alumnus, Rhodes Scholar, and retired BC Registered Professional Forester (RPF). Jim had a long and varied career in wood products manufacturing and as a member of the UBC Senate for 8 years was a passionate advocate for forestry education. 

Jim graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Science, Forestry in 1953 and received a Rhodes Scholarship that allowed him to study at Oxford University for three more years. On his return to British Columbia Jim launched his career at Western Plywood’s mill in 100 Mile House. Jim became an RPF in 1960 and a few years later started working for Canfor, first in Vancouver, then in Chetwyn and finally back in Vancouver as manager of Eburne Sawmill. In 1974, Jim moved to Whonnock Industries (subsequently re-named Interfor) as manager of McDonald Cedar in Fort Langley. To finish off his career Jim worked as a wood products consultant from 1988-98. 

Jim served as a member of the UBC Senate from 1976 to 1984 and was a lifelong advocate for education and continued learning, a passion he has passed onto his children and grandchildren. 

Jim also played a leading role in the establishment of the Fraser River Debris Trap, a shared government, industry initiative to remove floating debris from the Fraser River during freshet. His children remember many visits to check on the functioning of the debris trap. 

In retirement Jim enjoyed spending time at the family cottage at Mahood Lake in the Cariboo, visits with family and friends, following rugby and advocating for improved forest management.