Pickleball Healing Journey After Loss: After losing his son in May 2022, former Division 1 basketball player Jim from Strongsville, Ohio, found it impossible to return to the sport they once loved. Looking for a new path, he turned to pickleball. What began as a casual hobby in early 2023 has grown into a powerful outlet for healing and purpose.
Jim, who now lives in Miromar Lakes, Florida, retired in November 2024 after 35 years as a financial adviser. He now calls pickleball his “new job.” His journey with the sport began with a friend’s suggestion to try something light and fun. What followed was a personal transformation that helped him regain focus and happiness.
A Sports Family and Personal Loss
Jim grew up in a highly competitive household where every activity, from cards to sports, involved stakes. His son was the standout athlete of the family, becoming Cleveland’s top high school basketball scorer and earning multiple college offers before choosing the University of Evansville.
But tragedy struck when his son passed away. Jim shared, “When he passed away, I just couldn’t do it no more. I was done… I couldn’t do basketball anymore.” The pain of losing the sport they once shared was overwhelming.
Discovering Pickleball
In early 2023, friends introduced Jim to pickleball by setting up a simple net and handing him a paddle. The new sport quickly filled the gap basketball had left. “Pickleball is something that’s actually changed my life mentally, physically,” Jim said. “Every day is a different day in it.”
His daughter noticed the change too. “It just made him a lot happier, a lot less out of all the stress,” she said. She watched her father grow healthier, regain confidence, and find a new spark for life. “At first we were like, okay, it’s just like a new thing… and then like two weeks go by, just a couple more paddles in the house and the shoes start coming in.”
Jim’s family initially viewed pickleball as a small phase, but as time went on, it became clear how important the sport had become. “It really has like changed his life for the better,” she said.
Community, Friendship, and New Goals
Jim travels to tournaments often, usually without a set partner. Still, he has made lasting friendships through the sport. “Every event I go to, these APP events, everybody knows me now,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if they’re a pro or a new person walking on the court… it’s really neat. It’s like a big family.”
Now focused on improving his skills, Jim has set a clear goal: to play professionally. “I want to get on the tour to be able to do that. But that’s another level,” he explained. “I did put a lot of hard work in, but there’s other people that have helped me get to where I’m at today.”
Jim remains deeply grateful for the community that welcomed him and helped him heal. “I thank those people every single day. Believe me, I do.”
The Power of Healing Through Sport
Jim’s story is a strong example of how sport, even one as unexpected as pickleball, can help someone recover from deep personal loss. It gave him not just a way to stay active but a way to reconnect with others and rebuild joy in life. His progress also shows how sports communities like the APP Tour can become a second family, offering support, encouragement, and hope.
News in Brief: Pickleball Healing Journey After Loss
After losing his son, former basketball player Jim found healing through pickleball. Starting in 2023, the sport helped him recover emotionally and physically. He now travels to tournaments, makes lasting friendships, and hopes to play professionally. Jim credits pickleball and its community for changing his life.
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