The Manitoba Softball Association (Softball Manitoba), officially recognized Jim Adams by naming him as its first Honourary Life Member in 1977. The MSA also presents the Jim Adams Award annually to an outstanding administrator, builder or executive member and what better name to grace the award that honours a softball builder. Adams became involved with softball in 1957 when he coached a team called Civics in the Winnipeg Men’s Industrial Fastball League. The Civics won the league championship from 1957-65. The league recognized his leadership qualities and he served as president for several years before taking over the provincial presidency.

In 1991, Adams became only the seventh builder named to the Softball Canada Hall of Fame. He was there when the Canadian Amateur Softball Association (Softball Canada) was formed in Winnipeg in 1965. He represented Manitoba at CASA meetings for 10 years and, as vice-president in 1974, acted as convenor for two national senior championships in Winnipeg.

During most of this period, he served on the MSA executive and was president from 1969-1975. During his presidency, softball experienced great growth, particularly at the minor level. Softball was one of the original sports in the Manitoba Sports Federation and Adams was a strong supporter of the Federation from its formative days.

As every leader knows, there are times when one has to make difficult decisions. Those who worked with him during his years with the MSA knew that he always took action with “the best interests of softball” in mind. To Adams, those were the five most important words in the MSA constitution.

Jim Adams was the individual primarily responsible for the rebirth of organized softball during the 1960’s and 1970’s. He continued to support the game that he loved and worked on the development of Manitoba Softball’s own Hall of Fame.