James Frederick "Jim" Hubert

One year later, I still think of Jim often when playing pickleball. He was the epitome of what a pickleball should be: open, accommodating, competitive but not obsessed with winning, and lots of fun in conversation before, between, and after games. I'll never forget one of his favorite lines after a brief warm-up - 'let's get going, we ain't getting any better!'. We still often say it.

I am so glad I got to share some of Jim's post- transplant time on the Pickelball and Tennis courts with him. We always had good games and his personality made each day we played fun while also competitive. Lots of jokes and laughs about sports and life!

Many of us who hit tennis or pickleballs with Jim got together to honor him with flowers (paddle) and a contribution to Donate Life. We already really miss him!!

I had the pleasure of meeting Jim about 4 years after getting back into tennis and being referred to him and his group. Jim welcomed me in with his inimitable style - short, sweet and to the point - 'we play at 1, stop by and we'll get you in!' He was actually very gracious, and accommodating as there was enough rust in my game to chisel it off. Then, I started playing pickleball and he welcomed me into that. He was always very kind with his 'open' groups in both racquet sports. Although he was always one of the best players in the group, he was accommodating and encouraging to newcomers and those less skilled. He was very competitive, yet always a good sport; he didn't treat it too seriously, just happy to enjoy a good game, although it seemed his team won much more often than not, with his strong racquet skills, quick reactions, and ability to play smart, steady, and minimize unforced errors. Between and after games, he was always a joy, with funny observations about the world of sports and the world at large. There's a big void in the pickleball group without Jim.

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jim Hubert. He was a special person. I just met him while learning to play pickleball this past spring. He treated me like a good friend from the first minute I met him and every minute thereafter. He always made me smile and laugh. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.