Jimmy Van Alen

1902–1991 (age 89)

Tennis executive

Biography

Jimmy Van Alen devoted his life to tennis, championing innovations that helped the sport evolve for broader audiences. He is best known for creating the tiebreak and for promoting fairness and strategy throughout the game as a tournament organizer and official.

His passion for the sport extended beyond scorekeeping—he supported young players, encouraged research into athleticism, and remained a spirited advocate for tennis until his final days; many now pay tribute at Berkeley Memorial Cemetery.

Did you know Jimmy Van Alen?

Help us tell their story. Share a memory, upload a gravestone photo, or correct any details.

Also buried at Berkeley Memorial Cemetery

Matilda Bigelow
1895–1972 (age 77)
Berkeley Memorial Cemetery
Matilda Bigelow lived from 1895 to 1972.
Charles Mitchell Thomas
1846–1908 (age 62)
Berkeley Memorial Cemetery
Charles Mitchell Thomas was a Philadelphia-based professional whose life spanned the mid-to-late 19th century.
John Russell Pope
1874–1937 (age 63)
Berkeley Memorial Cemetery
John Russell Pope (1874-1937) was a Manhattan-born architect celebrated for designing the Jefferson Memorial and other m...
Candace Van Alen
1912–2002 (age 90)
Berkeley Memorial Cemetery
Candace Van Alen (1912–2002) rests in Berkeley Memorial Cemetery.
James Henry Van Alen
1819–1886 (age 67)
Berkeley Memorial Cemetery
James Henry Van Alen (1819-1886) was a Kinderhook native who lived 67 years during the 19th century.
Emeline Harriman
1859–1938 (age 79)
Berkeley Memorial Cemetery
Emeline Harriman (1859–1938) is interred at Berkeley Memorial Cemetery.