Profile of JIMMY ACKERS

Jimmy Ackers – September 15, 1936 – June 26, 1996.

James Ackers (Jimmy to all) started on the Trading Floor as a post clerk in the mid to late 50’s. Prior to that, he had been a Supervisor with the TTC for a number of years. His wife Donna worked at Draper Dolby on the listings desk. She was the 1st woman on Bay St. to work on the listings desk back in the day.

Jimmy mentored many people on the Floor for almost 40 years. He was known and admired for his fair treatment of everyone, his sense of humor, his caring heart for his peers and his ability to organize great events.

Mead & Co., Scotia McLeod, Timmins, First Canada, Jones Gable, are some of the member firms that his family recalls him working for over the years. He was often Head Trader and always had the respect of his ‘staff’. He enjoyed taking people under his wing and showing them the ropes.

Jimmy’s love of his job was evident both on the job and in his home life. His family was fully involved in the Trading Floor. His youngest kids Mike and Terri attended all Children’s events and spent time on the Trading Floor during school holidays. Many of his friends on the Trading Floor later became co-workers and mentors to Mike and Terri when they each became of age to work on the Floor 4 years apart. He couldn’t have been happier or prouder of them when they officially joined the Trading Floor family.

Jimmy was also infamous for looks (and threats) that would scare a lion! He was a Teddy Bear unless provoked….at which point everyone scattered to watch from a distance. This behavior tended to be in a more jovial manner, well, except for maybe the watermelon instance…..maybe. He had several practical jokes played on him and he took them all in stride with a hearty laugh (and threat of revenge that never came). His nicknames were "Fonz and Big Buddha".

Each of the members of the Trading Floor fraternity had their own individual characteristics that made the Trading Floor a very colorful place to work. Jimmy is missed by friends and family. His passing occurred peacefully on June 26, 1996.