James (Jim) Emerson was raised in Norwalk, California and graduated from Sierra High School in Whittier.  After graduation, he went into the United States Navy for four years.  This gave him a chance to find out more about his Japanese heritage since he had the opportunity to be temporarily home-ported in Yokosuka, Japan.  While in the Navy he served as a radar communications specialist.  During these years he became interested in the sport of tennis, and became a tournament player in the late 1970’s.

Upon his arrival back in the states, he met his wife Patty on a Downey tennis court.  They have been married 27 years this June, and they have a daughter Tara, who is a Pepperdine University graduate, and now Mrs. Tara Hahn. They also have a son James who is a Fullerton College graduate, and is continuing his engineering studies while working full time.  The Emerson family attends First Christian Church of Fullerton.

Jim has worked for the local telephone company, Verizon, formerly known as GTE, for 27 years to support his family.  In 1988 he graduated from Cerritos College with a degree in Electronics Technology.  He is now looking towards retirement from the phone company, to spend more time teaching tennis.

Jim coached Biola’s Men’s Tennis team three seasons 1996-98, during which time he became a USPTA Pro I.  When the Biola Program was dropped, He went coached a season at Whittier Christian High School for the girl’s tennis team, followed with four years at Whittier College for the men’s team.  He also taught at La Mirada Regional Park, and is currently coaching youth at Coyotes Hills Estates in Fullerton where he and his family reside.

Jim’s wife Patty has been at Biola over three years, and is currently the Department Secretary in Education.  Jim feels blessed to get a second chance at coaching and reestablishing the Biola’s Men’s Tennis team.

Contact information:
for.emerson@sbcglobal.net
562.944.0315 ext 3146