RURAL journalism legend and former Stock Journal editor Richard 'Dick' James passed away on Sunday, aged 77.
He will be sadly missed by many and remembered as a magnificent ambassador for SA agriculture.
Mr James was inducted as a Rural Media Icon by Rural Media SA in November 2010.
Rural Media Icons are held in admiration by peers for high levels of professionalism, long-term dedication and passion for communicating rural issues in the media.
He started his long career with the Stock Journal in January 1954, first entering the paper's then-King William Street office in Adelaide as a 16-year-old.
His first duties were as an assistant reader in the press room in the days of hot-metal printers.
Former Stock Journal advertising manager John Illsley had known Mr James since the 1960s.
"Dick joined Stock Journal at the same time I started with stock agents Goldsbrough Mort & Co," he said.
"During my employment with Goldsbrough Mort, Dick used to attend a lot of country markets, auctions and stud sales.
"Quite often Dick would ring up and ask if he could get a ride with us, so I got to know him during my early employment days with Goldsbrough Mort."
Mr James later asked Mr Illsley if he would like to join Stock Journal, which he did in 1973.
"We became work colleagues and travelled a lot more together, mainly to stud sales and other major fixtures such as field days," he said.
"Dick had a soft spot for the bloodstock industry and he used to edit SA's annual yearling sale preview. It was something Dick used to take great pride in.
"He amazed me with his capacity for work. He was extremely capable.
"I thought his Rural Media Icon award was a long time coming."
Mr Illsley said Mr James took a very keen interest in stud stock.
"He was recognised as a very good judge of livestock," he said.
"Wherever we went, Dick was well recognised and respected. It was always a pleasure to be in his company."
North Ashrose Merino and Poll Merino stud's Graham Ashby, Gulnare, said Mr James' accuracy in reporting judges' comments on sheep and cattle at Royal Shows throughout Australia was outstanding.
"He advised many breeders and helped young breeders with their decisions in selecting new sires at sales," he said.
"His knowledge of people in the Merino industry made him an outstanding MC at Royal Shows and field days.
"His attendance at ram sales, field days and cattle sales with his bright cheery wit will be sadly missed by us all."
Mr James became editor of the Stock Journal in 1969, at the age of 31.
The paper hit record circulation figures of 25,000 during his time at the helm in the 1970s.
He went on to become managing editor of the Stock Journal.
With a particular affinity for the SA Merino industry, Mr James also acted as the SA Stud Merino Sheepbreeders' Association's publicity officer for 15 years.
Never one to rest on his laurels, even after his retirement in 2003, he continued his association with Stock Journal, working as a casual for the paper.
Mr James' funeral will be on Monday, April 27, at 3pm at Centennial Park.
He is survived by his wife Wendy and sons Matthew and Anthony.