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Projects |
Catherman
One of the missions of the West Virginia Bass Federation since its formation has been involving more children
in fishing.One of the pioneers of the state's federation in that effort was Bridgeport's Jim Catherman.The Federation
honored Catherman's contributions to the WVBF Children's program a few years ago by naming the annual youth tournament
in his honor. The "Jim Catherman Memorial Youth Tournament" has been a favorite weekend for numerous
children across the state who often get their first taste of competitive bass fishing.
"Jim was a club member and always one you could count on." Says WVBF Youth Director Sarge Travis. "He
spent a lot of time volunteering with Casting Kids and anythingelse that involved kids. He really put his heart
into getting kids involved in the outdoors."
Catherman didn't limit his contributions to his own children.
"He had two daughters and one grandson," recalls Travis, "But at the youth tournament if he didn't
bring one of them, he would bring a kid from the neighborhood or somebodyelse's children.I've known him to take
kids fishing all the time as well as rabbit hunting and squirrel hunting.He really loved kids."
Catherman's efforts to help with youth activities in the Federation were scaled back for a couple of years when
he was forced to take care of his ailing wife.Soon after her death, he entered his own battle with leukemia. Catherman
died at the age of 61, but even in death his efforts focused on getting kids involved in fishing.
"In his will," says Travis, "He requested that in lieu of flowers for his funeral that contributions
be made to the Federation's youth program"
Catherman's memory are remembered and appreciated still today. |
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