Bio

Jim Silye (born April 28, 1946) is Gee-Gee alumnus who exemplifies diversity in a human being as he also was a Canadian politician, businessman, and professional football player for the CFL.

He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Ottawa in 1969.  He played for the Gee-Gees from 1965-68.  Following his collegiate career he played as a defensive back, split end and as a punt returner on the Calgary Stampeders from 1969 to 1975. He currently holds the CFL record for most punt returns in a season with 123 in 1970.  He also won a Grey Cup with the Stampeders in 1971. His CFL career came to an end in 1975 when he retired and began to focus on his business career.

He went on to represent the Reform party in 1993 and continued his involvement in politics until the early 2000’s. He then was the President and CEO of Eagle Rock Exploration Limited, an oil and gas exploration company based in Calgary, Alberta before returning to his hometown of Arnprior in 2009.