Warwickshire County Cricket Club said its final farewell to Bears great John Jameson on Wednesday October 29, hosting his funeral at Edgbaston Stadium.
The Club has been mourning Jameson since his passing at the age of 84 last month and his family generously allowed Warwickshire County Cricket Club to host his funeral in the Tom Dollery Lounge at Edgbaston Stadium – a fitting place to celebrate a life so deeply woven into the fabric of our Club.
Mourners travelled from far and wide to pay their respects to Jameson, an Honorary Life Member, including former team-mates, club dignitaries from across the country and Warwickshire CCC President Dennis Amiss and Chief Executive Officer Stuart Cain.
There were a number of heartfelt tributes throughout the service, including the below poem which was written by John’s daughter, Alex Tregellas, and read by his brother Tom Jameson, himself a former Bear.
Once a Bear, always a Bear.
The Heavenly Eleven waits up in the sky,
“We need an opening batsman!” – Dad heard the cry.
The chance to play one last innings in a game,
Where knees creak no more and joints no longer cause pain.
At the ground, all the flags fly at half mast,
The Heavenly Eleven form a guard of honour as you pass.
You smile as you spot old friends reaching out their hand,
To welcome you into this new beautiful land.
The game’s underway, and each strike of the ball,
Triggers a memory on screen from a life you recall.
Flashes of India, in Bombay, life was different to here,
Where the Himalayas was school for nine months of the year.
You and brother Tom inherited your parents’ talents for sport,
Whether hockey stick, or cricket bat, trophies won, battles fought.
Flashes of you coming to England at 14 years old,
Boarding at Taunton School, which you found very cold.
Friendships were forged that still last to this day,
Filled with adventures and laughter each step of the way.
Gifted at cricket, it became your career,
Edgbaston, your home ground, for many a year.
Records were broken and the screen shows the score,
465 in 100 overs had so many in awe.
Flashes of tours in countries near and far,
Where the true Spirit of cricket was consumed in the bar!
You married Mum and celebrated anniversaries, Silver, Ruby and Gold!
Two daughters and two grandchildren entered the family fold.
Being Dad and Grandpa, you cherished the role,
Watching Isabelle do gymnastics, and Jamie bat and bowl.
Boundaries plentiful, you never liked to run!
More reels show on screen of all you have done.
From umpiring to coaching and updating the Laws,
And happy years serving for the MCC at Lords.
Your achievements and dedication to this wonderful game,
Was rewarded by the Queen, MBE added to your name.
The light is dimming, and the screen shines so bright.
Memories flash! Sitting when older putting the world to rights,
Watching the cricket and keeping on top of the score,
Second best to the sense of belonging, friendships worth so much more.
The umpires confer, the night starts to fall,
The light meter’s out and Stumps is the call.
The teams gather around you, and you all walk together,
Over the boundary, not out forever.
Written by Alex Tregellas