Senior Profile – Jim Dey

Jim Dey lets it fly

Jim Dey should be called Jim Diehard. The man has been playing paddle since he was 10 years old, for 60 years. He grew up in Short Hills, New Jersey, with platform tennis courts right around the corner. His only time away from the game was during a work stint in the state of Washington, where courts were non-existent. He moved back to the East Coast in his early 20s, and immediately got back into the game. In all those decades, he has basically had two steady partners: Bob Smith in the early years, and John Spears, who he has played with off and on for over 30 years.

“Paddle has gotten me through a lot of winters,” Dey laughed. “I don’t need to get away?’ If you have ever had the pleasure of staying at the Shelter Harbor Inn, you would understand that concept even more so. Dey bought the cozy retreat 36 years ago. Replete with outstanding food, a rooftop hot tub, and beautiful grounds, the Shelter Harbor Inn is a special getaway. Three years after he bought the inn, he had the good business sense to build two platform tennis courts and create a league that plays right under his apple tree. The courts are supported through the membership, 80 people strong.

Six years ago, the courts needed to be replaced and the group raised the money quickly and easily. With that level of support and dedication, Dey has been able to sustain his game and encourage those in his area to play. And the members are treated to a quaint club where the locker rooms are tucked under the eaves of the third floor.

Dey’s major accomplishment in platform tennis was winning the Men’s 65+ Nationals title with Spears. [enlarge image to read full profile]>