Award Winning Jim Donnelly

Jim Donnelly has been a fixture in the Florida LMSC for over thirty years. As one of the earliest members of the Suncoast Masters in Sarasota, he has played a major part in the team's development over time. He has been an active board member for over thirty years, donating mainly his creativity to not only SMS, but the entire LMSC.

Jim was the editor of the LMSC newsletter for five years, from November 1994 through August 1999. His fun and innovative newsletter attracted the attention of the USMS national office which awarded Jim (and our LMSC) the "Best Newsletter" in the country in 1998.

His creative juices have produced numerous T-shirts for many occasions including the Maverick's 2002 and 2007 USMS National Hour Swim. He also designed our new Sarasota Masters Swim Team logo.

Locally, Jim donates his time to the special Olympics, coaching swimming twice a week for those eager athletes. He has helped Deb Walker with free clinics for Sarasota Masters swimmers over the years and, as a certified starter with United States swimming, Jim has officiated at many youth and Masters meets.

Jim's pleasant attitude has been an on-deck "constant" over the years, and his contributions have been creative, productive, and rewarding for our Florida LMSC!

Jim Donnelly received the 2006 Frank Tillotson Award at the Annual Florida LMSC Social and Awards Banquet in 2007. He was also a recipient of the 2007 USMS Dorothy Donnelly Service Award for his service to USMS, the Florida LMSC, US and Masters swimming.

by Deb Walker and Edna Gordon