The legend of Jim Dollins was brought to light last Saturday evening during his enshrinement in the Rhode Island Aquatic Hall of Fame at its 39th annual dinner inside the Quonset O Club in North Kingstown.

“It was an honor and pleasure to see Jim be inducted into the Rhode Island Aquatic Hall of Fame as part of the 2023 Class,” said longtime friend and past R.I. Aquatic Hall of Fame inductee Jeff Allen. “Many of his former swimmers were in attendance. Seeing the enjoyment and excitement from Jim and his family was very heartwarming and special.”

Jeff, one of the greatest swimmers in Bristol High School history, and a man well recognized throughout the swim world for his accomplishments and contributions, said Dollins was not only an outstanding swim coach, but a genuine all-around good guy.

“He is a special man and has given so much to the community of Bristol in the world of swimming,” he echoed. “I know speaking for myself, I would not be the person I am today without Jim in my life.”

Today’s generation may not be that familiar with the sports prowess that Jim brought with him when he first arrived in town as a star softball performer with the old Nike Site fast-pitch team on the Bristol Town Common during the 1960s. He’s always been a top-notch competitor and that includes his sailing skills around Bristol Harbor and beyond. He was adept at every athletic event he competed in.

The late Edmund P. “Hector” Massa, athletic director at the former Bristol YMCA, knew of Jim’s swimming expertise and was eager to get him on board at the Y as a swim team coach and instructor. It was a marriage made in heaven. If Hector were alive today, he’ll tell you the same thing.

Affectionately known as the “Godfather of Swimming” in the East Bay/Bristol area, Jim is credited with the development of swimming in this local area. In the early 1970s, he began a club team at the Bristol Y that eventually developed from a 25-member club to a team in excess of 125 members. Young kids knew immediately that had a special person handling swimming chores with Jim at the helm.

Said Jeff Allen, “The growth and interest of swimming led to the formation of the Bristol High School team which eventually became a member of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League.”

Also, Jim’s dedication and enthusiasm was instrumental to the beginnings of the Roger Williams University swim team. Several of Jim’s swimmers in addition to Mr. Allen, are inducted in the R.I. Aquatic Hall of Fame. They include Joe Perroni, Rob Berry, Susan Perroni Simpson, Sarah Perroni Hart, and Joe Callery.

“Many others, including myself, have made competitive swimming and aquatics as part of their careers,” said Allen. “Joe Securo, Cindy McCarthy, Kathy Welch, and Matt Connery are the names of just a few who contributed to our sport.”

As for the honoree himself, Jim was so appreciative of all those who showed their support on this particular evening.

“It was great to see many of my former swimmers,” said Jim, now 82 years of age. ”We had such a great time. I can’t thank everyone enough.”

Married for the last 61 years to the former Julie Card, Jim has two wonderful daughters, Marcia and Annie, and two grandchildren. He was raised in Bloomington, Ill. and spent two years at the University of Illinois, and later, was a member of the U.S. Army. He also previously lived in Fairbanks, Alaska. He came to Bristol in 1960 and has been a wonderful member of the community ever since.

Looking back on his relationship with young swimmers over the years, Jim Dollins lived by a certain adage.

“‘Continuous improvement’ was Jim’s goal and motto in coaching,” Jeff Allen reported. "Today, all on the East Bay and elsewhere, continue to benefit from what Jim began years ago.”