Jim Paajanen
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- Induction Year:
- 2019
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- Sport:
- Tennis
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- Year(s):
- 1968-70
Tennis has been a way of life for Jim Paajanen since his days growing up in St. Clair.
The 1968 St. Clair High School graduate took his tennis skills to the collegiate level for the 1968-69 and 1969-70 seasons at SC4.
“Since attending SC4, I have forgotten the names of instructors, but I remember learning about Michigan history, the nervousness of going to speech class, and biology, which prepared me for classes in my major field of study,” said Paajanen, who also played basketball for SC4 coach Robert “Sam” Kromer. “What comes to my mind about athletics are basketball road trips loaded into a three-seat station wagon, a spring tennis trip to Arizona by car, and friendships that still exist with teammates and coaches.
“As I look back at my two years at SC4, I realize how much school and athletics influenced and prepared me for my career in teaching and coaching. SC4 did in fact serve me very well.”
Paajanen, who started at No. 1 singles and doubles for two years, continued his education and tennis career at Grand Canyon University, where he earned a bachelor’s in physical education. He earned a master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University, also in physical education.
Tennis remains a big part of Paajanen’s life as he begins his 13th year coaching men’s tennis at Paradise Valley Community College in Phoenix, Arizona. His son, Aaron, is the men’s tennis coach at the University of Detroit Mercy.
Paajanen returned to the Blue Water Area for many summers to play in the annual Francis J. Robinson Memorial International Tennis Tournament.
