Football SA is saddened to learn of the passing of Life Member and Hall of Fame inductee, Jim Lawrenson.
Jim migrated to Australia from Liverpool, UK in 1965 before serving in Vietnam for the Australian Air Force three years later. Jim was then reunited with his family back in Liverpool after serving, then came back to Australia in 1972, settling in Whyalla a year later.
It was in Whyalla where he became a legend in his own right.
He contributed to the game of football as a player and administrator, while also becoming a Life Member of the Whyalla Wanderers SC.
Jim officiated as Northern Areas Soccer Association (NASA) under many roles, including Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer Registrar, Treasurer, Board Member, and Junior Association Secretary.
He became Whyalla Wanderers SC executive Member starting in 1973.
A keen lover of football media, Jim was also a reporter for local newspapers and Radio stations between 1978 and 2000.
Jim was inducted into the Football SA Hall of Fame Roll of Honour in 2003 as a member for meritorious contribution, whilst also an inductee as a Life Member to the Whyalla Soccer Association.
Last year, the Whyalla Soccer Association named the league championship after him, which is now known as the "Jim Lawrenson League Championship."
The funeral will be held at Whyalla Wanderers Soccer Club on Wednesday 8th July at 3:00 pm.
Our thoughts are with Jim's family and friends at this time.
Vale Jim.