Barry James (SPC 1947-48, PY1950)

Barry James, pictured earlier this year.

We pass on our deepest condolence to the extended family of Old Collegian Barry James (SPC 1947-48, PY1950) who passed away on November 17, 2021, aged 89 years, with his family by his side at St John of God Hospital after an 11-year battle with prostate cancer.

Barry was an icon of Ballarat business and alongside his Barry James Smash Repairs company, Barry also started Barry James Cranes, was a racehorse trainer for 62 years, developed new property estates in Delacombe and in the late 1980s donated the land to build Lumen Christi Primary School.

Barry James, pictured with son Glen and grandsons Tanner and Easton with a certificate from the VACC celebrating 75 years in the smash repair business. Photo Jeremy Bannister

In recent weeks, Barry had also been acknowledged for 75 years of service by the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce. A wonderful tribute story can be read here as well as a story recognising Barry’s business success story here

We send our deepest condolences to Barry’s loving wife Lois and their children, Mark (dec), Gavin, Brendan, Anita, Glen, Lisa and Kelly as well as his 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Barry was farewelled at a funeral service held at St Patrick’s Cathedral on November 24.

Barry was a day student at St Pat’s for two years in the late 1940s. His own sons Gavin (SPC 1970-75), Brendan (SPC 1973-77, PY1978) and Glen (SPC 1980-83, PY1985) followed in his footsteps, followed by grandsons, Kristopher James (SPC 2002-07), Rorey James (SPC 2002-03, PY2007), Marc James (SPC 2004-09), and Sam McDonald, who is a current student.

Barry James, pictured in his sub-Intermediate class photograph in 1947.