When life hands you challenges, how you choose to respond shapes your future. For Bob James Gress, a former aircraft industry professional with a passion for creation, life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Yet, instead of retreating, Bob found hope, strength, and joy in an unlikely place—pickleball.
A Hands-On Career and a Lifelong Love for Sports
Bob’s journey began with a love for building and creating. From supervising toaster production at Toastmaster Inc. to crafting aircraft interiors in a corporate jet completions shop, he poured his heart into his work. “My dream jobs have always been ones where I could create with my hands,” Bob reflects. These roles didn’t just hone his technical skills, they shaped his approach to life’s challenges. He learned discipline, teamwork, and a drive to keep moving forward, values that would become crucial later in life.
Growing up in a modest home, Bob’s love for sports was born out of creativity. With little to work with, he and his friends played football with a Clorox bottle and nailed his mother’s laundry basket to the shed for a basketball hoop. Although family responsibilities prevented him from pursuing high school basketball for long, his love for the game endured.
Facing Parkinson’s Disease with Faith and Love
In 2015, after years of physical struggles, Bob received a life-changing diagnosis: Parkinson’s disease. Emotionally devastated and physically weakened by tremors, stiffness, and weight loss, Bob found himself in a dark place. Despite being a man of faith and a deacon in his church, he felt lost.
It was during this difficult period that his wife, Jeanette, became his greatest source of strength. “Jeanette’s love pushed me to seek therapy,” Bob says. She was tough when she needed to be, even telling him, “I don’t want to come home and find you in your chair deceased.” Those words, though harsh, sparked something in Bob. He began therapy, attended stretch and flex classes at the YMCA, and slowly started reclaiming his life.
The Pickleball Revelation
It was at the YMCA where Bob first saw pickleball being played. Intrigued by the sport, which seemed like a scaled-down version of tennis, Bob wondered if he could give it a try. “I felt I could do it,” he recalls. Motivated by his love for sports and a desire to show Jeanette his commitment to getting healthier, Bob picked up a paddle and stepped onto the court.
Those early days weren’t easy. Parkinson’s made balance difficult, and falls were inevitable. But what kept Bob going was his unyielding faith, his determination, and the encouragement of his wife and new pickleball friends. Over time, he improved, and playing pickleball became a vital part of his daily routine.
A Milestone Achievement: 4.0 Rating
Through hard work and perseverance, Bob reached a significant milestone—earning a 4.0 rating in pickleball. “Reaching it was fun, but maintaining it is harder than you might think!” he says with a laugh. Still, the accomplishment gave him a renewed sense of purpose. “I feel like an athlete again.”
Bob’s success didn’t come without challenges. Coordination and keeping score were especially difficult due to Parkinson’s. “Even after seven years, both are still challenging,” he admits. But through drills, muscle memory, and a gracious attitude, Bob continues to overcome these obstacles.
The Power of Community
One of the most rewarding aspects of Bob’s pickleball journey has been the sense of community. “I’ve learned as much from the elderly as I have from the youthful,” Bob says. Whether playing alongside experienced players or mentoring newcomers, he finds joy in every interaction. “Sharing with others about what pickleball has done for me is always a great joy.”
Bob’s story is one of giving back. Despite his own challenges, he takes pride in helping others learn the game, offering encouragement and guidance. “Seeing someone new begin to play well after I’ve helped them, that’s so rewarding,” he says.
Faith, Gratitude, and Looking Ahead
Today, Bob continues to face new challenges, including recent heart issues. Despite this, his faith remains unwavering. “My goal is to continue giving God glory for each and every day of life,” he says. He credits his faith, his wife, and the game of pickleball for helping him stay positive and active.
When asked what advice he would give to others facing similar struggles, Bob’s message is clear: “Never give up. Find something you love, and work at it with all your heart. Surround yourself with people who lift you up. And most importantly, have faith.”
At nearly 67 years old, Bob’s journey is far from over. Whether he’s on the court or off, he’s determined to keep moving forward, one day at a time, inspiring those around him with his resilience, love of life, and unshakable faith.
A Story of Hope and Determination
Bob James Gress’s story reminds us that life’s greatest challenges can be met with courage, faith, and the support of loved ones. Pickleball may have started as just a game, but for Bob, it became a lifeline, a way to stay active, connect with others, and prove that no matter what life throws at you, it’s always possible to fight back and find joy.
READ MORE STORIES: Pickleball for Parkinsons, How One Man’s Journey is Transforming Lives
