Posts
Loss to the Erie Pickleball Community
Elena Arnold
posted almost 2 years ago
For anyone newer to EPPA who may just be venturing into the Erie Pickleball scene, you will start to make pickleball playing friends who you see often on your favorite courts. Those people learn about your life between games and you learn about theirs. Friendships develop that go beyond the lines on the pickleball courts.
I am very sad to deliver this news because many of us just lost one of those friends. Jim Whitford passed away while spending a few winter months in Florida. Jim played everywhere, indoors and out, and he got to know so many of you. If you didn't know Jim, he was one of a kind.
Jim was in his 80's and his style of play was that of a person half of his age (or younger). He had smooth footwork and strokes and his dink game was hard to beat. More than being a great player, Jim was FUN to be on the court with. He was competitive and supportive. He had great one-liners and would banter with the other team. He was a player who you wanted to stack your paddle with. I'll never forget the shoulder shrug and laugh Jim would give me when he burned me with a good shot.
He was young at heart. He loved riding his motorcycle and spending time with his beautiful wife of MANY years.
I do not know many details about Jim's passing, but I did hear he was still playing pickleball up until two weeks ago and that brought a little light to a sad day. I know many of us wish we could have one more game with Jim. May you rest in peace.
I am very sad to deliver this news because many of us just lost one of those friends. Jim Whitford passed away while spending a few winter months in Florida. Jim played everywhere, indoors and out, and he got to know so many of you. If you didn't know Jim, he was one of a kind.
Jim was in his 80's and his style of play was that of a person half of his age (or younger). He had smooth footwork and strokes and his dink game was hard to beat. More than being a great player, Jim was FUN to be on the court with. He was competitive and supportive. He had great one-liners and would banter with the other team. He was a player who you wanted to stack your paddle with. I'll never forget the shoulder shrug and laugh Jim would give me when he burned me with a good shot.
He was young at heart. He loved riding his motorcycle and spending time with his beautiful wife of MANY years.
I do not know many details about Jim's passing, but I did hear he was still playing pickleball up until two weeks ago and that brought a little light to a sad day. I know many of us wish we could have one more game with Jim. May you rest in peace.