The Perth Archdiocesan Catholic community has this week lost beloved staff member James (Jamie) Cameron.
Maintenance Officer Jamie Cameron tragically passed away at Royal Perth Hospital on Tuesday evening, 3 February, following a game of tennis, just shy of his 65th birthday.
One of five siblings, James Anthony Cameron was born in South Australia in 1961.
Tragedy struck the family when Jamie’s father died at 39 years of age. The family then moved to Perth to be closer to his mother’s family and friends, where Jamie went on to complete his education at Servite College.
Leaving school in Year Nine to begin an apprenticeship in cabinet making, Jamie was also a keen sportsperson.
A talented goalkeeper who played for Perth Azzurri, Jamie represented Western Australia in the state soccer team and was selected for the Australian squad in his teens.
At age 23, Jamie married Carmel (nee Russo) in 1984.
During this time, he attended night school to further his education and sat tertiary level entrance exams in Biology and English.
Jamie’s results enabled him to attend Teachers’ College to become a primary school teacher.
While attending college, he also continued working as a cabinet maker on Saturdays and worked as a waiter and cleaner in the evenings to support his family.
Following the completion of his degree, Jamie was immediately employed, going on to teach at Infant Jesus Primary School, Newman College, Our Lady’s Assumption Dianella and St Brigid’s for some 30 years.
In 1986, Jamie and Carmel, were delighted to announce the arrival of Melissa. In 1987, Lara was born and was followed sixteen months later, in 1989, by Kate, Elise in 1991, David in 1993 and in 1995, they welcomed their sixth child, Amy.
During his life, Jamie was involved in many activities.
He played tennis with the Catholic Lawn Tennis Association, coached children’s soccer, completed the Avon Descent in a team and as a solo competitor, taught himself guitar and ukelele, co-authored a teacher resource book, owned and bred alpacas, enjoyed camping and the beach, and was president of a social golf club, to name a few.
In 2017, Jamie changed occupation and took on the role of Maintenance Officer with the Archdiocese of Perth.
Jamie considered his family his greatest achievement. A devoted husband and father, Jamie enjoyed spending time with his children, sons-in-law and seven grandchildren.
He was always busy but made time for his extended family, friends and colleagues.
Always a gentleman, Jamie was well-known to help anyone in time of need.
He was well-liked and respected, which enabled him to gather and maintain many friendships throughout his life. Jamie will be remembered for his sense of humour, “dad jokes”, kindness and generosity, and as a man of faith who lived life to the full.