Charm and quick wit made him a popular figure.
Edward (‘Ed’) James, the charismatic founder and CEO of SSG Gloves, has died. He was 92.
Wearing his signature green jacket and ready smile, Ed took his innovative glove collection to equestrian trade fairs around the globe.
He was also a philanthropist who supported horse sports, racing and many riders and drivers in his native Canada.
Ed launched SSG Gloves in the late 1980s, originally selling gloves from his car boot at local racecourses.
The Ontario based company quickly grew to become a globally recognised name – with Ed just as famous for his sharp wit and charismatic charm as well as his fairness in business.
$5 million dollar horse
Ed’s other love was horses. He owned many trotters and standardbred racehorses, but the one that made him most proud was McWicked.
The pacing stallion clocked up lifetime earnings of $5 million and won many awards. Ed enjoyed telling stories about McWicked to anyone who wanted to listen.
Ed died on 29 October. He leaves his second wife Lynda, three sons and seven grandchildren.
He will be greatly missed by his many friends and colleagues in the equestrian trade and beyond.
