JAMES K. EDWARDS

1988 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

Jim’s competitive experience in the sport of swimming dates back to his school season in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  He began his collegiate career a the University of Michigan (then perennial NCAA champions) competing on the freshman team.  He moved on to West Point competing from 1942-1945, lettering all three years.  In 1944 he placed fifth in the 1500 meter freestyle at the NCAA’s at Yale University.

Jim came to Rhode Island in 12952 after graduating from Harvard Law School.  Since coming to the state, he has bee a devoted masters swimmer and long distance open water swimmer.  He has competed in practically every VJ Day Swim from Rumstick Point in Barrinton to the the Bristol Town Beach.  He has participated in all but two Save-The-Bay swims since its inception in 1977.

At the age of 49, in his first masters competition, he swam the 1500 at the Long-Course Nationals, defeating Buster Crabbe (then 64).  He was the first Rhode Islander to become a member of the New England Masters Swim Club.  He won All-American Masters recognition in 1979, 1983, 1984 and 1987.  Jim has furthered the cause of swimming by drafting charters and constitutions for the New England Masters Swim Club and the Rhode Island Aquatic Hall of Fame.