Strandfontein AFC has always had a membership backbone of large families who have remained
with the club for generations.

James was the eldest of the Abrahams brothers and in addition there were 3 brothers- in-law who also were also active members being Vernon Roodt, Clyde Ebden and the late Colin Arendse. These were followed by a son Charlton and numerous nephews.

Except for a short period where he left for a spell with Bayhill James as a junior and later a senior
remained an active member of the Seagulls.

An emphasis on the active part as he always served in some official capacity and was the go to man when one was looking for a reliable, sober honest doorman at club functions who in his quiet but assertive way took no nonsense. He remained a sincere person who did get involved in any untoward club politics and remained loyal to the ideals of the club.

Everybody knew that James had a boxing background and thus I never saw anybody become aggressive with him nor may I add did he really become overly aggressive with anybody.

James was probably the longest serving playing member in Mitchells Plain having played well into his sixties. I remember him playing in our Provincial Toyota league team when well into his forties when the playing resources were ravaged by injury and suspensions and players leaving for one reason or
the other.

A quiet reserved man always courteous James served in numerous Exco positions which included”
*Member of the Disciplinary Committee. 1990-1995
*Captain of the 0/35 and 1st Division teams( at various times)
*Senior Players Representative 1990-1996
*Assistant Club Secretary
*Club Treasurer

The Seagulls have suffered a great loss by his passing and the Strandfontein Community has lost a
valuable asset .

May his soul rest in peace.

29.01.1957 – 22.01.2026

Author: Robert Quinn – Ex Seagulls Chairperson and Life Member