Carlton President, Stephen Kernahan, led speakers at today’s memorial service at Visy Park for John James, the Carlton 1961 Brownlow Medallist, who passed away at his home in Robinvale last week.

 

Carlton Chaplain Steve Webster conducted the memorial service with Carlton Great John Nicholls and former St Kilda player and 1958 Brownlow Medallist, Neil Roberts also speaking about John James.

 

Kernahan said it was important for the Carlton Football Club to acknowledge the wonderful career of John James and to pay respects to one of Carlton’s greats.

 

“For those of us who didn’t see John James play for Carlton we only need to look at his record to appreciate what a great player he was for the Carlton Football Club,” Kernahan said.

 

“Wearing guernsey number 10 for the Blues, he won Carlton’s Best First Year Player Award in 1953. In 1955 he won the first of three Carlton Best & Fairest Awards, winning again in 1960 and 1961. Of course in 1961 he became Carlton’s second Brownlow Medallist and is one of only five Carlton players to win this coveted award. In addition he represented Victoria in 15 Interstate Matches.

 

“John James was a Life Member of the Carlton Football Club, he was selected in the Carlton Team of the 20^th Century and in 1987 when the Carlton Hall of Fame was introduced John James was inducted in its first year.

 

“There is no doubt he was one of the greatest players to ever represent the Carlton Football Club.”

 

Kernahan said John James was a true Carlton person adding that he continued his interest with the Club for many years, even providing feedback to recruiters on potential players from Robinvale and the Sunraysia district.

 

“Today we acknowledge the outstanding career that John James had with the Carlton Football Club,” said Kernahan.

 

The service was an opportunity to reflect on the important role individuals play at the Carlton Football Club and to remember the Club is about people.

 

“In acknowledging this outstanding career we recognize that the Carlton Football Club is about people. This Club was established in 1864 and is one of the oldest football clubs in the world and we have enjoyed great success. This success has only been possible thanks to those who have represented Carlton, on and off the field.

 

“It is important we continue to respect the role everyone plays at the Carlton Football Club and when necessary, such as today, we take the time to acknowledge and say farewell to those who have played such an important role in our history.

 

“John James was one of our greatest, and today we pause to recognize his achievements,” Kernahan said.

 

On behalf of the Carlton Football Club Kernahan extended his deepest sympathy to the family and assured them he and all Carlton people would be thinking of them this afternoon when John’s funeral is conducted in Robinvale.