James George Pfeffer

He was born to Jacqueline and George Pfeffer on April 26th, 1952, in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Jim was a 1970 graduate of Lincoln High School in Manitowoc and went on to study at the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay where he competed in basketball, track, and tennis. He married the love of his life, Jane, on June 6th, 1987, in Kansas City, Missouri.

Jim spent upwards of 35 years as a tennis professional. He was not only a skilled instructor but dedicated to making his clinics and lessons fun with his ever-present sense of humor and encouragement.

With the creation of World Team Tennis, Jim was recruited by the Kansas City Explorers to enlist and manage the ball kids for all home matches. He was a constant with this endeavor for over 15 years.

He had a passion for improving the lives of others which led him to help bring Wheelchair Tennis to the Northland. This program is still active at The Northland Tennis Club.

In 2009, Jim was inducted into the USTA Heart of America Hall of Fame. Among other qualifications, this award represents high standards of sportsmanship and character.

After Jim retired from tennis, due to the progression of his Parkinson’s disease, he found purpose and joy by volunteering at Children’s Mercy Hospital. His childlike personality put smiles on the faces of many children battling serious medical challenges.

Jim had a love for music and started a band of tennis players called The Unforced Errors. Over time this band morphed into another band and became Conga Jim and the Coconuts. Jim also played in a small, but mighty, neighborhood street band. Open-mic night at The Hideout on Thursdays was a favorite.

The past year was difficult as his Parkinson’s continued to impede his physical and mental capabilities. His bands and his friends were amazing with their loyalty and love. A special thank you to his best friend, Alan Klaus, who made sure he lived his life to the fullest up until the very end.

Jim is survived by his wife, Jane; his father, George Pfeffer; sister, Ellen (Dale) Christel; daughters, Angela Castle; Lindsay (Tom) Thornton; grandchildren, Lily, William, Austin, Anne, Grace, George, Braxton and many nieces and nephews.

Family, friends, and others whose lives Jim touched are invited to a Celebration of Life at Chicken N Pickle, located at 1761 Burlington Street, North Kansas City, MO 64116 on April 22nd from 1-3. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation.