Awards
What began as Jim Hoxie's own challenge with blindness has evolved into a legacy of advocacy that continues to touch the lives of people around the world.
Author Jim Hoxie and his Guide dog Dax. On this summer day, Jim is sitting at the left side of a park bench next to Spearfish Creek. Dax is wearing his working harness and sitting next to the bench. This picture was featured in the Blinded Veterans Association Ambassadog Calendar 2026.
White Cane Safety Proclamation
Each year in the United States, October 15 is White Cane Day. Being from South Dakota, Jim Hoxie requested that the Governor help proclaim the importance of the day. One item on the document identifies the right for the blind and low vision individuals to travel safely and independently.
Governor's Award
On October 8, 2025, Jim Hoxie was recognized in the Capitol Rotunda in Pierre, SD, for his contribution toward making people with disabilities more employable and confident.
The Governor’s Awards recognize the achievements of businesses, individuals with disabilities, and other South Dakotans for their contributions toward the employment of people with disabilities. The 2025 award recipients were recognized in a ceremony held at the Capitol Rotunda in Pierre on October 8, 2025.
Legacy of Advocacy
Jim Hoxie's advocacy for understanding blindness inspired the book Grandpa's White Cane. His guide dog Dax, a German Shepard, from the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, received recognition from the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) and was featured in 2025 as their October Ambassadog in the weekly BVA Newsletter. Dax is now a part of Jim's mission to raise awareness for individuals using a white cane or guide dog.