James Robert Graham 1962 – 2015

Members of the Waihinga Centre Steering Group are saddened by the loss of James Graham. ‘The Tall Irishman’ as he was affectionately known was born in Dublin, Ireland and, after living and working in London, had settled for the past twelve years with his wife Rebecca and daughter Jessica in Forman Jury Road.

James was a member of the Town Hall and Community Centre Funding Committee. He was one of our most influential and generous supporters, and a great friend and mentor to many.

We would like to acknowledge the wonderful support given by James to the project. As soon as it had been agreed that the Town Hall was to be restored and a new community centre proposed James offered his time to ensure the success of the project. His enthusiasm for the development and the influence he has had on the project thus far has been significant and greatly appreciated by all members of the Steering Group and our many supporters.

James’s integrity, intelligence and good humour is greatly admired and his contribution towards our shared goal of making the Waihinga Centre a reality has been of paramount importance to our success, particularly in the early development stage and important first funding rounds.

James’s loss will be keenly felt, but his contribution will not be forgotten and his visionary, caring and community-spirited approach will certainly inspire us moving forward and drive much of our decision making through to completion of the Waihinga Centre project.

We wish to extend our condolences to Rebecca and Jessica and to all of James’s family and friends both here and overseas. Our thoughts and best wishes are with you all.