Nutrien Fire Tech turned ‘Music Man’ gives time, heart and funds to hometown

The first thing to know about Jim Haussecker is he’s a music man. Melody is his medicine. A gift he shares with his hometown of Watson, in central Saskatchewan, by taking up organizing live music fundraisers.

Right down to selecting venues, Jim has a vision for intimate performances of Canadian folk or country – from newcomers to stage-worn established names. Where others see quaint spaces, Jim sees guitars, fiddles, song and stage. It could be the local legion, a neighbor’s backyard, or the former bank turned Watson and District Heritage Museum. The town hall auditorium and Main Street are settings for a larger stage and crowd.

One step at a time

Jim envisions the experience for musicians and audience, up close and personal, seeing each other smile, dance, laugh and toe tap. He’s even brought in cowboy poetry as an opener. That’s the medicine. The connection between people and music to ride out life’s highs and lowsin a small town of seven hundred and change.

“He puts in countless hours planning the events and carefully selecting the bands each year,” says Mike Brost, Watson Fire Chief.

There’s a close bond with Jim from years of working closely together as Fire Technician at Nutrien’s Lanigan Potash site. Jim has been with the company for over twenty years. His role is safety focused – looking after anything fire related on the surface of the site. This includes hundreds of alarms, hydrants, extinguishers, as well as pumps, fire trucks and supporting mine rescue training. 

Streetfest: Small Town, Big Impact

Jim’s passion is what grew Watson’s largest music event and fundraiser for the fire department.

“Streetfest has become one of our department's biggest fundraisers. In just four years, it has generated over $46,000 in profit—a remarkable number for our small-town department,”says Chief Brost. “The money raised helps us purchase essential equipment and training, which keeps our firefighters safe and enables us to provide the best care possible when responding to emergencies.”

Helping Hands in a Crisis

Jim has their back, and they have his. This became clear in 2011 when Jim had to step away from organizing a concert for the fire department after devastating news. His son, Dylan, had cancer. The Watson Fire Department took over planning the fundraiser. Not only that – they made it a fundraiser to support and comfort Jim and his family through that difficult time.

“It was before the time of GoFundMe… sorry, I get a bit choked up,” says Jim. “I almost feel like I owe the community a little bit back.” 

It’s still emotional for Jim to this day. Dylan beat cancer and is grown now, having studied electrical engineering at university – even completing a practicum at Nutrien’s Cory Potash site.

Growing a Community Through Song

Jim’s time volunteering continued through the years. He recognizes how it helps not only his own mental health, but others, making people feel less isolated. If someone asks, he delivers. Watson’s live music scene has spread by word of mouth. Jim and his wife, Jodi, going town to town hanging posters – she helps keep the books, and Jim jokes, checks his spelling.

When Quill Plains Health Care Foundation needed to raise funds to furnish a new multi-level care living facility – they asked Jim if he could get Canadian country superstar, Jess Moskaluke, to perform in Watson. Moskaluke was born and raised in Saskatchewan, and Jim happens to have some extended family relatives. A few calls later, Moskaluke’s agent offered a date when she could pop by in between her latest tour. It was perfect timing – one day before Watson’s Santa Clause Weekend.Tickets sold out in forty-five minutes.

“It’s a busy world nowadays,” says Jim. “It’s a different world, but there’s so much value in volunteering. It feels good, it does.”

Offering Help Beyond the Stage

During wildfire season, Jim took his experience and jumped in a vehicle with his cousin – driving up to northern Saskatchewan to check hoses, sprinklers, or see if he could assist firefighters in any small way. He can’t help but want to help.

“This, I needed to do for me,” says Jim. “It was so rewarding helping wildfire crews. It gave me some peace of mind.”

A Humble Human Deserving of Praise

Even after all the live music success, Jim is a humble, quiet guy. He prefers to sit in the background, crack a cold one, and watch the crowds soak in the music.

But if you ask around, you get the sense that Jim is a person deserving of much praise – for the impact he’s made as an individual.

“What makes Jimmy special is not only his love of music, but also his ability to connect it to community. He has a unique sense of the town vibe,” says Bruce Nordick, Mayor of Watson.“His thoughtfulness and commitment have left a lasting impact here in Watson.”

Chief Brost agrees, there’s something special about Jim. 

“When we’re called into action, it usually means someone is having one of the worst days of their life,” says Chief Brost.“If we can do something to make that person’s day—or life—a little better, then it's all worth it. I think Jim feels the same way about these concerts.”

Jim’s latest ponder is how to get a new sound system, so the museum doesn’t have to rent one out.

But his intention is much more than music or funds to pay for what’s needed in his community. During the highway drive from Lanigan home to Watson, you won’t hear top forty blasting from Jim’s speakers or streaming from his phone. The music comes from a well-worn CD by Iris DeMent – a sixty-four-year-old Grammy winning folk, country, gospel musician. The album’s name says everything about Jim – Workin’ OnA World.

“Yeah, I’m workin’ on a world I might not see,” says Jim. “I kind of have that feeling. Somebody’s got to start working on it – a place for my kids and grandkids.”