Jim Woolner, Ski Equipment Importer

Jim Woolner, Ski Equipment Importer

Jim Woolner, one of the ski industry's most respected businessmen, died at his home in Scarsdale, N.Y., on July 15, 2008. He was 88.

As president of Beconta, a ski equipment importing firm that represented many of the ski industry's leading names and brands, Woolner was also instrumental in guiding the ski industry through his leadership in Ski Industries America (SIA). He served on the trade association's board for 22 years and held almost every office, including two terms as president and four terms as a director.

Woolner was a graduate of Horace Mann and Yale University. In 1941 he joined the Army and served for four and a half years. He commanded an artillery battery in the 95th Infantry Division through training and combat across Europe in 1944-45 in Gen. George Patton's Third Army. He was decorated in action and emerged as a major with four battle stars.