It was Reverend Joseph Jones, Joe's principal, who discovered Joe's outstanding performance of running. After coaching him accordingly, Joseph brought the young lad from Brandon in 1910 to train in Winnipeg at the North End Athletic Club.

On May 7, 1910 Joe entered his first serious competition. In this seven mile race he placed first of the forty competitors.

From 1910 to 1914, Joe won first place each year in the five mile YMCA race.

Another one of Joe's major accomplishments was setting a Canadian record. His time for the 10 Mile record was 54 minutes and 50 seconds. This race took place in Fort William, on May 24, 1911.

Having a successful season, Joe represented Manitoba at the Dominion Championships in Montreal. He placed second, attaining top achievement and recognition amongst all Canadian athletes.

In 1912, Joe reached the climax of his career. He was named to the Olympic team along with another Winnipeg man. During the Olympics, he placed fourth in the 10,000 mile race.

Upon completion of the Olympics, Joe joined the army in 1916 where he served for a period of two years. Serving in France, he was awarded the Medal of Bravery in 1917.

He represented Canada in Inter Allied Sports in Paris, following World War I.

Subsequent to the war, Joe was employed as a carpenter in Winnipeg. He later moved back to the North, where he got married and raised a family of four boys and four girls. Once in Norway House he worked for the Hudson Bay Company until he retired in 1951.

Upon retirement, Joe remained active within the community. He served as a Steward in the United Church. He was also President of the Norway House Community Social Club.

Joe passed away on September 21, 1971.

There is no doubt that Joe was and still is one of Canada's greatest long distance runners.

* Note: These are only highlights of Joe's running career. He still obtains approximately one dozen silver cups and some 33 medals from track victories.