Albert Ferguson James was born on the 27th of March 1900 in Maylands (was known as Falkirk) being born the youngest of nine children. Albert worked as a craftsman cabinet maker. After the depression he soon branched out into refrigeration. At the age of 21, while attending a church service he met Winifred Frances Milner (Winnie) who he married in 1925 in Perth. Albert and Winnie had two children, Brian James and Maureen. During his life Albert was involved in a lot of community groups and was always willing to help other people out. It has been said that he was involved in about 40 different committees within his community. Albert was very much involved within his local church as a Sunday School Teacher, and Superintendent for over 40 years. He sang in the choir and also stood in as a preacher when needed. Albert was also involved with the Osborne Park Cricket Club and was invited to join the Scarborough Rotary Club. He was also a member and Master of the Mt Hawthorn Masonic Lodge where he was actively involved in a lot of community work including helping to organise bonfire nights, the annual Christmas tree event, and sing a long night. When Albert became too ill to continue his involvement in the Scarborough Rotary Club, they made him an honorary member describing him as 'one who has distinguished himself by meritorious service in the furtherance of rotary ideals'. Due to Albert's amazing contribution to his community a proposal was put forth to the Osborne Community Development Advisory Committee to name the park on Short Street in Joondanna in honour of him. On the 12th of August 1996 the name Albert James Park was formally approved by the committee.
