PCC remembers 'perfect gentleman'

By Joe McDonald
RIGA Senior Writer

PAWTUCKET – Anyone familiar with Pawtucket Country Club understands the significance of the green, 7-foot clock just across from the bag room.

It’s been in place about six years and serves as a constant reminder of Jimmy “JT” Tanner’s time at PCC. Membership held a fundraiser, and everyone contributed to purchase the old-style clock to recognize his legacy.

This week, a bouquet of flowers was placed at the foot of the clock to honor and remember Tanner, who passed away March 20. He was 84.

The flowers partially covered the plaque that reads: “In honor of Jim “JT” Tanner. Dedicated Caddy Master, mentor to youth, and loyal friend to Pawtucket Country Club members.”

Tanner knew three things well – his family, the Navy and Pawtucket Country Club.

He began working as a caddie at PCC when he was 11-years-old, and with the exception of his stint in the Navy, Tanner spent 73 years working at the club in a variety of roles. He was best known as the longtime caddy master.

Less than three weeks ago Tanner was still working and helping members with their golf bags. Suddenly, he wasn’t feeling well and went to the hospital where doctors found cancer in Tanner’s spleen and hips. Instead of surgery and treatment, he decided to go home. He will be buried with his late wife, Doris, who passed away a few years ago.

“Jimmy is PCC, so we’ll never be the same again,” said owner Gary Reis. “He went out his way, that’s for sure, and nobody can replace him.”

Tanner would arrive at the club every day around 5 a.m. to open the facility and start his daily routine. He would shower, read the newspaper and eagerly await the arrival of his friends – the members.

“This was his home,” Reis said. “He never missed a day. He was the kind of guy who would do anything for you. He really cared about the members and there isn’t a member here who doesn’t love him.”

Even on the days when the weather was terrible and the course was closed, Tanner would still work just in case a member needed clubs to play elsewhere. He also served as a mentor for all the caddies who worked for him. Many of those former caddies grew into successful adults and Tanner helped guide them along the way.

“He taught the kids morals and responsibility,” Reis said. “I know years ago if you did a loop with your bags you had to make sure you gave Jim his 25 cents.”

It was also common to see Tanner on the putting green, trying to improve that part of his game, which most knew was his biggest shortcoming.

Jeff Taylor is a longtime member at Pawtucket and every time he picks up his golf bag he realizes how heavy it is, especially for an 84-year-old, but that wasn’t an issue for Tanner. He would sling those golf bags with ease all day, every day, and it kept him in shape, active and happy.

“Jimmy had the greatest life in the world,” Taylor said. “He found a job that he loved and found a way to make a living doing it. Jimmy lived a great middle-class life, and he loved being at Pawtucket Country Club. He was the watchdog for the club to make sure the course ran the way it should run.”

Mike Whitehead, the longtime superintendent at PCC, always had his trusted dog, Stanley, by his side while working the course. Anytime they were near the clubhouse, Stanley would bolt for the bag room to visit Tanner, who always had a treat waiting for his friend.

“Stanley would get a meal a day from JT,” Whitehead said.

Unfortunately, Stanley, a golden retriever, had to be put down five weeks ago because he had cancer.

“The last time I spoke with Jimmy I was out changing cups,” explained Whitehead. “He came out to the golf course to extend his condolences. He had tears in his eyes, because he loved the dog so much.”

Whitehead was on vacation when Tanner passed away. Whitehead said he will miss their conversations and listening to all the stories Tanner would tell about his tenure at PCC.

“He was an absolute legend,” Whitehead said. “It’s the end of a long era. He’s really going to be missed.”

Mike Gelinas, the longtime pro at PCC, remembers Joe Sprague once saying, “Jimmy is always the first face I see when I come here and he’s always smiling. It’s like seeing an old friend and it’s always refreshing and welcoming.”

In fact, Tanner was the face of the club.

“Jimmy was everybody’s friend,” explained Gelinas. “He connected with everybody here and everybody loved him.”

Tanner loved telling stories, especially about his time as a caddie at Pawtucket, and later about his time in the Navy. It was typical to hear Tanner telling a colorful story about Les Kennedy, the longtime pro at PCC who passed away in 2000. There was one story Tanner would frequently share about the time a car chased him down on the course. Kennedy was behind the wheel.

“Those were always great,” said Gelinas. “Those stories are priceless. He had a ton of stories. He found a way to connect with everyone here. He had a special connection with some of the guys who have been here awhile. He made the club a special place.”

Along with JT’s clock, there are already two tournaments named in his honor. In fact, proceeds from the JT Classic support the Burke Fund, which was established in 1946 and is one of the oldest golf scholarships in the country. Plans have already been made for his wake and funeral. His golf clubs will be on display at his wake Monday, and there will be a special drive-by after Tuesday’s funeral.

“The funeral procession will make its way through PCC’s parking lot, so he can visit for the last time,” Reis said.

Plans are also in the works to erect a statue of Tanner somewhere on the property, according to Reis.

“He was an amazing man. There’s only one,” said Reis, who was fighting back tears. “He represented PCC and was like everyone’s grandpa, everyone’s dad. It’s just awful to think he’s not around anymore. He built quite a legacy. He was the perfect gentleman."

Read Tanner's obituary here: https://www.oneillfuneralhomes.com/obituary/james-jt-tanner