Jack Kramer

1921 - 2009

Jack Kramer, considered by many the finest tennis player ever and the most influential person in the history of the sport, died Saturday night, September 12 at his home in Los Angeles. Jack was born John Albert Kramer August 1, 1921 in Las Vegas, Nevada, the son of the late David Christian and Daisy Elaine Kramer. Friends, competitors, and grandkids alike called him "Big Jake."

Kramer won the Wimbledon singles title in 1947 and US Open Championships in '46 and '47. He won seven other Grand Slam titles, and led the United States to Davis Cup titles in 1946 and 47. He then became the undefeated worlds professional champion, 1948 to 1954.

In addition to being the "perfect" Dad, Jack enjoyed an extremely dynamic athletic, business, social, and philanthropic career. He was active throughout his rich life in many charitable endeavors including the Pacific Southwest Youth Tennis Foundation, the city of Chino Hills, California & Whitefish, Montana, and the Village Church of Westwood, where he was an active fundraiser. Jack was a member of the United States Tennis Association, International Tennis Hall of Fame, All England Lawn Tennis Club, US Golf Association, the Beach Club (Santa Monica), and Sempervirens Redwood Association.

He was a world champion as a son, husband, father, grandfather, friend, tennis player, promoter, innovator, broadcaster, executive, labor leader, and racehorse owner. His deeds during World War II as a lieutenant (junior grade) in the Coast Guard included making seven landings on an LST at New Guinea, Hollandia, Borneo, and Leyte. In golf, he was the Chairman and owner of Los Serranos Golf & Country Club, the second love of his life to his wife Gloria. The most popular tennis racket ever made was named for him. The Wilson Jack Kramer Autograph virtually dominated the industry for more than thirty years, selling 30 million from 1947 until wooden rackets went out of fashion.

Jack lived with character, class, passion, modesty, and a unique competitive edge that were outshone only by his deep love for family. All who knew him were attracted to his endless generosity, kindness, loyalty, honesty, common touch, fairness, and integrity.

He will be greatly missed by his five "perfect" sons David (Rosie), John, Bob (Katrinka), Mike (Sandra), Ron (Hollie); his grandchildren Amber (Chad), Scott (Stephanie), Samantha (Nick), Joanna, Andrew, Michael, Jack, Kodi, Kylie, Brandon, and Blake; his brother-in-law, Bob (Bonnie) and sister-in-law Muriel.

A public Memorial Service is scheduled for 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 26 in the Straus Stadium of the Los Angeles Tennis Center at UCLA. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pacific Southwest Youth Tennis Foundation, Los Angeles Tennis Center, 420 Charles E. Young Drive West, Los Angeles, California 90024 – 9115.