Following the recent passing of Jacques Springer, Guus Korper reminisces about their time together. The accompanying photo shows Jacques at a reunion, together with Cor (left) and Fons (centre).
On New Year’s Eve, 31 December 2025, Jacques Springer passed away. He was 92 years old.
With his passing, we say goodbye to a man who, for many within our association, was more than a player, a club mate or a storyteller – he was someone who left a lasting impression.
I met Jacques, as a youngster, in 1969, at the Maccabi table tennis club in Amsterdam, where he was my first teacher. He stood out from the very beginning. Not only because of his playing, but especially because of his personality: confident, sharp and always with a smile at the right moment.
After Maccabi disappeared, Jacques, living in Amstelveen, transferred to TTV Amstelveen, where he co-founded the now thriving 55+ section.
Jacques was the same everywhere. In sport, outside of sport, in conversation or in competition.
He was a born storyteller, someone who brought anecdotes to life and thereby endeared himself to people.
At the same time, he was not afraid to tell the truth – straightforward, but rarely without humour.
Losing? He couldn’t really do that. And if it did happen, there was always that unforgettable statement:
‘Never lost to the man before.’
It characterised him perfectly: putting things into perspective, stubborn and always with a twinkle in his eye.
In addition to his role within the club, Jacques was also a born salesman. Charm, conviction and timing – he had it all. But above all, he was a wonderful person, someone who gave you something, often without even meaning to.
With his stories, his smile and his presence, Jacques leaves behind a void, but also a wealth of memories. For me, he will always remain that first teacher, and someone who showed that sport and winning are important – but that enjoyment, self-confidence and humanity are even more so.
Jacques, thank you. I will miss you.
And just for the record: ‘You still never lost to us.’
Guus Korper
