Valé James Kemsley · 3 December 2007
It is with a heavy heart that I report the passing of a close friend, and an amazing cartoonist, actor, mentor and ex-ACA president James Kemsley.
James, 59, died at 3:40pm EST on Monday. He was the legend that brought Ginger Meggs every day, to over 120 papers in over 20 countries.
James touched the lives of many cartoonists, both in Australia and abroad, during his illustrious career. James began drawing the iconic Ginger Meggs the year I was born, in 1984 and built on its success both in Australia and overseas.
He served as President of the Australian Black and White Artists Club and later the Australian Cartoonists’ Association.
When he wasn’t in an official role his guidance and assistance continued spanning over 20 years. In 1990 he was awarded the Jim Russell Award for oustanding contribution to Australian cartooning, two Stanleys for Comic Strip Artist (1990 and 2004) and the Gold Stanley for Cartoonist Of The Year in 2001.
Privately he helped many cartoonists to find their way through the maze that is freelance cartooning. Many will be indebted for his enthusiasm and guidance.
Cartoonist, actor, entertainer, cricket tragic and keen St. Kilda supporter James led the charge for the ACA culminating in the association being recognised with a Walkley Award for Most Outstanding Contribution to Journalism in 2005.
It was with enormous honour that I accepted Kemsley’s request last week to be the fifth cartoonist to take over the pen and continue the 86-year legacy of Ginger Meggs.
James Bancks created Meggs back in 1921, and since then Ron Vivian, Lloyd Piper and James Kemsley have continued the strip.
My thoughts and prayers go to his family, Helen, Jed, Hywel and Sebastian.
I’ll miss you mate.
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