(August 19th 1956 - April 4th 2016)
A Tribute by close friends of Shirley James
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Shirley (May) James, one of Tennis Wales' most active and effective organisers. Hailing originally from Bristol, Shirley’s infectious passion for all things tennis began long before she moved to Wales in 1984. Her greatest success on the court, however, was achieved right here in the Principality, as a member of South Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Tennis Club. She helped the club achieve promotion to Premiere 1 Division and, under her stewardship as captain, they became Division 1 Veterans Champions on many occasions, including this year.
In 2005 she represented the South Wales Over 35 team at County Week in Eastbourne and represented the 40's, 50’s and 55's county teams regularly over the past 20 years. She was also selected for Wales on many occasions, in 2007 as part of the winning team at the Senior Four-Nations competition. In recent years Shirley was appointed as a selector for the various Senior Welsh Ladies Teams and was twice crowned Ladies Singles Champion in the Welsh Closed Veterans Event.
She was a very active member of the Senior South Wales Tennis Committee and, for the past 8 plus years, brought her unfailing enthusiasm to organising a series of tournaments every winter for the benefit of the women veterans. The success of those tournaments, due in large part to her tireless efforts, encouraged players of all abilities to participate in, and to enjoy the game.
In recent months, her courage, her determination and her love of tennis was evident for all to see as she succeeded in battling her way back onto the tennis court following major heart surgery in May of last year. She had even hoped to resume playing competitively as early as this summer. Sadly for her, and indeed for everyone in our local tennis community who was fortunate enough to know her, it wasn’t to be. Instead, the South Wales senior’s community and Tennis Wales have lost a real treasure. Her hugely positive attitude and her willingness to give so much of her time to help others will be greatly missed and extremely difficult to replace. Thank you, Shirley, for your loyalty, your friendship and for everything you did for tennis in Wales. We all owe you a huge debt of gratitude.
Tennis Wales staff and the South Wales Committee would like to extend their deepest sympathy to Alec and the family at the loss of Shirley.
She was first and foremost a long serving member of Carmarthen Tennis Club and her service to this club will not be forgotten.
The wider tennis community will remember her as an energetic and tireless worker for the sport in Wales. The tournaments she organised along with Liz Singer were enjoyed by so many lady veterans of varying abilities and entry fees from these tournaments were all ploughed back to help players in County and National competitions
She will also leave a huge gap on the Veteran’s committee where, again, her contribution to organisation and selection in National competitions was enormous.
Her lively and purposeful personality will be sorely missed by all who knew her
Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Shirley's funeral will be held on Friday 15th April at 12.30pm in Narberth Crematorium and will be followed by tea at Plas Hyfred Hotel, Narberth,