James Henry McManus

James McManus Obituary

MCMANUS James Henry (Mac) McManus, 70, passed away January 18, 2011 following complications with his illness. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Carole. He remains the cherished father of Kate and Jordy. Jim was the son of the late Thomas K. and Margaret McManus and brother of the late Bob McManus. Jim is survived by his brother Tom (Mandy), sister-in-law Addie McManus; niece Molley; and nephews Mike, Patrick, Jim and Andy. He leaves memories with his Rehoboth Beach Clan including more McManii, cousins and friends. Jim was in the tennis arena for more than 50 years as a player, administrator, supporter and fan of the game. As a founding member of the ATP, he served on its original Board of Directors in 1972. He spent 28 years on the ATP Tour staff, involved in all aspects of player services, and professional tennis competition. Jim was actively involved on the ATP Challenger Committee and the USTA Pro Circuit Committee in an effort to help the next generation of professional tennis players. Jim had a celebrated playing career. He was twice ranked in the Top 10 US singles and twice #2 in doubles. He reached the 1968 US semi-finals with Jim Osborne. Jim made it to the fourth round singles at Wimbledon in 1972. In 1971, the USTA awarded Jim the Wm. M. Johnston Award, an honor bestowed upon the nation's top player for character, sportsmanship and contribution to the game. Jim was a member of the N.CA. Tennis Hall of Fame and in 2009 was elected to the Cal Berkley Hall of Fame. Last year, Jim's book, 'Tennis History,' was published tracing the history of tennis tournaments around the world. As much as Jim loved tennis, he had many other talents and interests. He was an avid photographer, made movies, played the accordion, painted, sculpted and in the late 70's he had a cameo performance in the movie, 'Players.' Jim's life will be celebrated on Sat., Feb. 5th at 2 PM in Ponte Vedra Beach at ATP's Stadium Court (200 ATP Boulevard). A Memorial Celebration will be held in March at the Berkeley Tennis Club, Berkeley, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ATP Tour Charities/Jim McManus Fund, which will provide assistance to an individual or program demonstrating passion and dedication for the game, its heritage, sportsmanship, altruism and camaraderie. The fund will also assist those who inspire others to give back to the sport of tennis. Donations may be sent to: 201 ATP Tour Boulevard, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082. Please visit our online Tribute at www.quinn-shalz.com . Services under the care and direction of.

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Published by Florida Times-Union on Jan. 30, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for James McManus

8 Entries

Doug King

March 27, 2011

Jim was the most caring, giving individual that I had the great fortune to know. When I was a junior player Jim took me under his wing and provided me with immeasurable guidance. He was kind and patient and at the same time dedicated and resolute.

One could not ask for a better role model than Jim McManus. He was the ultimate competitor and sportsman, a true class act. He was loved by his fellow players as a gentleman and a professional.

I will forever remember our countless runs in the Berkeley Hills in the twilight after a practice session, our trips to the mountains in his yellow Porsche Targa for a ski day, laughs over cheeseburgers and chocolate shakes from the Club canteen, hitting in the dimly lit Ballroom when it was too to play dark outside, but most of all I will miss his quick smile and infectious uplifting spirit.

He gave me much more than I ever deserved. I am comforted in knowing that he was richly rewarded for his generosity and compassion through his loving union with his wife, Carole, and their children, Kate and Jordy.

Jim, I cannot ever thank you enough for all that you did for me, I can only strive to live up to your inspiring example. You will always be in my heart, my thoughts, and my prayers.

Rick Bradley

March 20, 2011

I remember Jim from hanging out with Lowell High School tennis friend, Wally Clark, at tennis tournaments in Monterey, Berkeley etc.and dated U.C. Berkeley's tennis coach's (Dick Stevens) daughter, Marylyn Stevens around 1948, 1949 and 1950. He was truly a gentleman and a really nice guy, as well as a great tennis player.
Cliff Mayne is the only one I have seen lately from those years and at Cal., where my brother, Clay Bradley, was on the Cal tennis tean 1954 -1956.
Rick Bradley

February 4, 2011

Jim McManus carved an incredible journey through life
and mastered the game. Jim was dignified, passionate, generous, fun,warmly welcoming, loving companion, embraced fatherhood,
a gatherer of friends and a man of purpose. His sweet, sweet spirit
remains in our hearts and he left a new path to enjoy - walk - improve -
and travel along. Jim inspired the best in all of us. I am better
having known Jim and his family. Celebrating the life of my friend.

Beverly L. Smith

Scrivener Family

February 2, 2011

Anyone who was blessed to call Jim their friend became a better person. Our journey and burdens were always just a little bit lighter if Jim was around. And, Jim, don't worry, our son Christopher, always has a spare mouth guard. =) We will see you in Heaven someday, dear friend.

Bob Kramer

February 1, 2011

Jim was a wonderful friend, player, promoter, pioneer, organizer, confidant of Jack Kramer. Moreover, a positive contributor to so many good things about life and tennis. As one of the very first ATP employees, Jim took me under his wing in 1973 while he was playing the WCT Circuit on the west coast to help get the very first world computer rankings organized and also establish a professional tennis players photo library.

Always cheerful, playful, and a lover of dogs, Jim could always manage an easy smile, friendly gesture, and a wonderful tennis story to share (such as signing autographs for Rod Laver on occasion) with his many friends, colleagues, and fellow players. Here in LA with his lifetime friend, Jim Osborne, he won the Southern California Open doubles title in 1972 over Nastase & Tiriac, and in our Pacific Southwest, reached this major final in 1969 only to fall to tennis legend, Pancho Gonzalez and partner, Ron Holmberg.

Jim McManus can never be forgotten. I had the pleasure of serving for many years together with Jim on the USTA Pro Circuits Committee, spending time together at here in Westwood whenever he would frequently come to visit his Aunt, or at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the annual meetings of the USTA for what seemed like forever. Jim unselfishly flew all the way to Cincinnati last summer from his home in Florida to help honor our mutual friend and mentor, the great Paul Flory. That is where I had the privilege of spending my final visit with Jim and then return home with an ever greater understanding Jim’s many important contributions to society, class, character, tennis, and the Kramer family. As a significant, lifelong contributor, Jim McManus truly belongs in the Tennis Hall of Fame.

February 1, 2011

Many adored Jim, including me. He was a gentleman, a man of his word, a man of honor, pleasant, polite, and honorable. He was the type of person we should all aspire to be. I thank you, Jim, for being one of the many who saw me through challenging times and taught me that they always ended with a blessing or gift. Love, Harriet

Kevin O'Keefe

January 31, 2011

A pleasure knowing you, Jim.

Terrie Haddock

January 30, 2011

Jim, I will remember all the fun times and keep you in my heart forever. You were always there for me and a very special person I am honored to have known.
Love,Terri

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