James R. Smith

Service to swimming community Smith wrote articles for the Associated Press, Swimming World Magazine and Water Polo Scoreboard. He authored several books on aquatic coaching and the mechanics of play. His 1936 book, Playing and Coaching Water Polo, broke ground as one of the earlies texts on the sport, and he later authored "Water Polo in the Olympics". He served as a member of the U.S. Olympic Water Polo Committee from 1948 to 1956, and the National AAU Water Polo Committee from 1948 to 1976. He developed a water polo ball made with an inflatable bladder and a rubber fabric cover, which improved performance, adding spectator interest to the game.

In 1990, the United States Water Polo Award was established in memory of Jimmie Smith and his contributions to the sport of water polo. The award is given annually to an individual or group, recognizing outstanding contributions to water polo in the United States. The trophy is exhibited at the International Swimming Hall of Fame.