Jimmy James

Australian tracker

Jimmy James OAM (1913 – 1991)[1] was an Aboriginal Australian tracker. He helped the police of South Australia in tracking criminals. He worked with the police for 40 years.

James was born near Ernabella (now Pukatja) in central Australia, and was a member of the Pitjantjatjara people. He went to school at the Ooldea Mission. In 1945, he was wrongfully arrested and left the mission. James began his career as a tracker for police in 1948. He became well known for tracking criminals (including arsonists, poachers and escapees) and lost persons.[1] He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1984 and was the first South Australian Aboriginal Person of the Year in 1983.[1][2] After his death, a memorial to Jimmy James was erected in Berri, South Australia.[3]

References

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  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Holmes, Robert (2003). "Jimmy James, O.A.M. (c. 1913–1991): Aboriginal police tracker". In Healey, John (ed.). S.A.'s Greats: The men and women of the North Terrace plaques. Kent Town, South Australia: Historical Society of South Australia. p. 66. ISBN 0-9579430-0-8.
  2. "Police halt medals auction". The Sunday Mail. 24 June 2007. Retrieved 14 January 2009.[permanent dead link]
  3. "Berri". The Age. 8 February 2004. Retrieved 14 January 2009.