Parsons receives tennis honors

SANDPOINT — Anyone who has ever played and enjoyed tennis in Sandpoint owes a small debt of gratitude to the efforts of Jim Parsons Jr. His passion for tennis has been instrumental in both the construction, refurbishing and saving of most local courts, as well as the growing of the game in Sandpoint.

Parsons Jr., 76, was recently selected to receive the prestigious 2006 Community Champion Award from the United States Tennis Association, Pacific Northwest Section, which includes over 20,000 individual and organizational memberships in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia. He was nominated for the award by Sandpoint Park and Recreation Director, Kim Woodruff.

"Jim is tennis in Sandpoint," says Woodruff, who has seen first-hand the benefit Parson's dedication to the sport has had on the youth of Sandpoint.

Parsons began playing tennis in 1944 and continues to participate in both singles and doubles play that is offered through the City and Sandpoint Tennis Association, which he's been president of since creation of the organization in the mid 70s.

"It means a lot to me," says Parsons of the well-deserved award. "I don't know how many people have this, but I'm going to hang it in my office."

Jim was recognized for his involvement towards courts at the old junior high, original City Beach, Travers Park, and recent City Beach and Lakeview Park refurbishings. Jim has also worked hand in hand with the city over the past 20-years to secure thousands of dollars worth of grants and donations to support lessons for local youth. His goal is to share his passion for this great life-sport with as many kids as possible.

"I tell my grandchildren tennis, golf, swim and ski. Those are things you can do your whole life," says Parsons, who still more than holds his own against younger competition in the summer tennis leagues. "It's good exercise. I don't see that many people my age out there playing soccer and football."