James Grier Pressly Sr. (7 September 1907 – 26 March 2002) was an American professional tennis player, coach during the pre open era of tennis. He later served as the fourth president of the USPTA.[2] He competed at the 1935 U.S. Pro Tennis Championships.[1] He was active from 1930 to 1941 and won 2 career professional titles.[1]
| Full name | James Grier Pressly |
|---|---|
| Country (sports) |  USA |
| Born | 7 September 1907 Due West, South Carolina, United States |
| Died | 26 March 2002 (age 95) Palm Beach, Florida, United States |
| Turned pro | 1930 |
| Retired | 1941 |
| Singles | |
| Career record | 20–5[1] |
| Career titles | 2[1] |
| US Pro | 4R (1935) |
Career
editJames Pressly Sr. was born Due West, South Carolina, United States on 7 September 1907.[1] He became a professional tennis coach and player in 1930.
In 1935 he competed at the U.S. Pro Tennis Championships where he reached the fourth round, but lost to Lester Stoefen. In 1936 he won the Palm Beach Professional Championship against George Agutter.[3] In 1937 he successfully defended that title against the same opponent.[3]
In 1940 he was appointed the fourth president of the Professional Lawn Tennis Association from 1940 to 1941.[2] He served during World War II as a Captain with the United States Army.[4] Following the second world war he worked as a club pro for Jupiter Island Club in Florida and Bedford Golf and Tennis Club in New York for more than 30 years.[2]
Family
editHe married Anna Finn the daughter of James and Kathleen Mary Finn in 1946 and they had five children.[5]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e "Players:Pressly Sr, James G.". The Tennis Base. Madrid: Tennismem SL. Retrieved 6 August 2023.[permanent dead link]
- ^ a b c "Past Presidents: James Pressly (1940–41)". www.uspta.com. United States Professional Tennis Association. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
- ^ a b "PLAY STARTS IN THIRD PALM BEACH PRO MEET". The Palm Beach Post. West Palm Beach, Florida: newspapers.com. 3 March 1938. p. 8. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
- ^ "Obituaries in West Palm Beach, FL: Anna Finn Pressly". The Palm Beach Post. Gannett. 9 October 2021. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
- ^ Palm Beach Post (2021)