Retired High School Teacher awarded 2025 Order of Parry Sound

With over a hundred people in attendance, the January 4th Mayor’s Annual New Year’s Levee paid tribute to long time Parry Sound High School (PSHS) music teacher Jim Ferris by awarding him the 2025 Order of Parry Sound.

The Order has been awarded at the annual Levee since 2001 to a Parry Sound resident or contributor who through their volunteer efforts aspires to the motto, They Desire a Better Community.

Jim Ferris addressing crowd after being awarded the 2025 Order of Parry Sound. In the  background is Mayor McGarvey applauding.                            Photo: Thom Morrissey

In addition to Ferris’ 30+ year teaching career building an award-winning music program, he volunteered countless hours on the road with various PSHS bands performing and competing across the province and country and coordinated international high school band trips. Ferris’ commitment for approximately 20 years as a volunteer adjudicator with Musicfest Canada secured him an induction into Musicfest Canada's 'Hall of Fame' in May 1999.

Between 1980 and 2000, Ferris was a member of the Parry Sound Salvation Army church board, drove the Sunday School bus, created and delivered Sunday School flyers, and led the church band. In addition, Ferris ran summer music camps through the Salvation Army for many years, opening up opportunities for young people to experience the joy of music and life skills of practice and teamwork.

Beyond music, when the Rotary Club was supporting the arrival of several Ukrainian families to the Parry Sound community in 2022, Ferris was a reliable volunteer at the Rotary Centre, sourcing and delivering furniture, providing language coaching, food etc.

Besides the awarding of the Order of Parry Sound, the Mayor’s Levee featured a social accompanied by the local jazz group Chameleon, songs by Wasauksing First Nation Little Spirit Singers and a review by Mayor McGarvey of 2025 community highlights.