Personalities > James Watkinson

James Watkinson

James (Woko) Watkinson, c.1888-1954, was a driving force in water sports in Pyrmont and in New South Wakes.  Like his friends and neighbours, he was employed as a stoker and a stevedore, but he is best remembered for his feats in swimming and water polo, his fierce defence of the Pyrmont Baths and especially as an inspiring coach in water sports.  Some of his feats are recorded by his grandson, David Lee (attached), and his memory is cherished by all the Pyrmont kids he taught to swim and play water polo, throughout his long and active life. 

When Watkinson married Alice Christina Olsen in 1912, they moved to 122 Bowman Street where they lived for the rest of his life.

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