“Jim’s 244 consecutive games equates to 2444 consecutive games in terms of what he’s had to go through in almost three years,” he said.
He was spot on.
Although it’s unfathomable to think what Jim went through, unless you were intrinsically linked with him, he must’ve been to places few of us could’ve imagined.
And while he left an extraordinary mark with his playing career, the story he etched via his humanitarian work and his battle to the end is now the stuff of legends.
So, it was no surprise that thousands paid tribute at St Paul’s Cathedral and Federation Square, spilling down Flinders and Swanston St and beyond to honour the now late, great Jim Stynes.
Furthermore, people came to a halt in homes, schools, work places around Victoria, the country and beyond, via various communications.
And it was particularly pertinent that Melbourne’s heart came to a standstill for a person who embraced the city of Melbourne, and the club with the same name.
In return, people came from near and far to pay their respects to Jim: a man loved by his family, friends and those from afar.
In saying goodbye to Jim, it was his human qualities, rather than his exceptional football talents, that were at the forefront.
Following Jim’s farewell, I was fortunate enough to spend some time with coach Mark Neeld for an upcoming article.
Neeld is just days away from coaching his inaugural match for premiership points, for the club Jim loved - and arguably saved.
It was a privilege to listen to the new coach talk about Jim and how the game we all love must be kept in perspective with life itself.
As much as Jim loved the game, the Melbourne Football Club and the sweet taste of victory, he was a man of perspective.
During the service, Brian Stynes - Jim’s younger brother - gave a stirring eulogy.
I shed some tears and my heart went out to many at the funeral, but particularly for Brian.
He’s lost his brother at 40 years old. Jim was 45. It’s far too young.
Brian jnr choked back the tears as he spoke beautifully and lovingly about his brother on behalf of his family.
For the record, Brian’s efforts should not be underestimated either. He was an outstanding Gaelic footballer for Dublin, plus he played two matches for Melbourne - with Jim - in 1992.
Sam Stynes, Jim’s wife, courageously delivered a beautiful poem, which he requested.
Alicia's Poem, by Mary Elizabeth Frye, was moving.
When she introduced it by saying: “I’m hoping that if I click my heels together three times I'll wake up and this is just a bad dream, not the case,” a heartfelt thought went out to her and the couple’s children, Matisse and Tiernan.
Sam is a remarkably strong woman. She too has inspired many with her bravery.
Paul Currie, co-founder of Reach, also spoke passionately about his connection and enduring friendship with Jim.
Melbourne great Garry Lyon also gave a eulogy at Jim’s funeral. This time, Lyon offered some upbeat moments, since he had reached his Mt Everest with his incredibly moving tribute on the The Footy Show last Thursday night. He didn’t need to climb it again.
Lyon did reference that Jim would’ve loved the big gathering.
And it’s not surprising that he drew everyone from dignitaries to the humble man on the street. Jim drew everyone together, which was noted by his brother Brian.
Jim was a man of the people, who displayed his own persona in the public eye. This can be difficult at times when you’re different from the norm. Instead, people wanted to embrace and know more about Jim, rather than cut him down, which oft happens.
It’s a rare quality to be universally admired, particularly when you’re aligned to a sporting team.
In an obsessed sporting town like Melbourne, to be a universally admired footballer and person is akin to winning the lotto twice.
Everyone loved Jim.
And, as romantic as it might sound, it dawned on me during the service that, with this kind of turn out, togetherness and inclusiveness, a ‘Jim Stynes Day’ would be fitting to honour his legacy.
In fact, considering we have a public holiday for a wonderful horse race, it may not be as fanciful as it sounds.
Jim brought so many people together from many and varied backgrounds that it could only be a good thing.
He represented so many things good about our life in Australia.
The fact that he migrated from Ireland and made his name in his adopted country is inspiring for us all.
Most importantly, he connected with people, which should rise above any race, religion or creed. And he showed compassion and understanding.
He put the spotlight back onto relationships with partners, children, family, friends and colleagues. And, as he said during his fight with cancer, he let go of his ego.
That’s why so many said farewell to Jim.
People cared, admired and ultimately loved Jim Stynes.
Attempting to emulate his life or feats is impossible. And, nor should it be tried, for everyone needs to write their own story.
But drawing on Jim’s achievements, traits and feats is something we can aspire to.
And - aren’t we thankful for that.
Even just an ounce of Jim added to our lives can make us better people.
Rest in peace, Jim.
Paul Currie, co-founder of Reach, also spoke passionately about his connection and enduring friendship with Jim.
Melbourne great Garry Lyon also gave a eulogy at Jim’s funeral. This time, Lyon offered some upbeat moments, since he had reached his Mt Everest with his incredibly moving tribute on the The Footy Show last Thursday night. He didn’t need to climb it again.
Lyon did reference that Jim would’ve loved the big gathering.
And it’s not surprising that he drew everyone from dignitaries to the humble man on the street. Jim drew everyone together, which was noted by his brother Brian.
Jim was a man of the people, who displayed his own persona in the public eye. This can be difficult at times when you’re different from the norm. Instead, people wanted to embrace and know more about Jim, rather than cut him down, which oft happens.
It’s a rare quality to be universally admired, particularly when you’re aligned to a sporting team.
In an obsessed sporting town like Melbourne, to be a universally admired footballer and person is akin to winning the lotto twice.
Everyone loved Jim.
And, as romantic as it might sound, it dawned on me during the service that, with this kind of turn out, togetherness and inclusiveness, a ‘Jim Stynes Day’ would be fitting to honour his legacy.
In fact, considering we have a public holiday for a wonderful horse race, it may not be as fanciful as it sounds.
Jim brought so many people together from many and varied backgrounds that it could only be a good thing.
He represented so many things good about our life in Australia.
The fact that he migrated from Ireland and made his name in his adopted country is inspiring for us all.
Most importantly, he connected with people, which should rise above any race, religion or creed. And he showed compassion and understanding.
He put the spotlight back onto relationships with partners, children, family, friends and colleagues. And, as he said during his fight with cancer, he let go of his ego.
That’s why so many said farewell to Jim.
People cared, admired and ultimately loved Jim Stynes.
Attempting to emulate his life or feats is impossible. And, nor should it be tried, for everyone needs to write their own story.
But drawing on Jim’s achievements, traits and feats is something we can aspire to.
And - aren’t we thankful for that.
Even just an ounce of Jim added to our lives can make us better people.
Rest in peace, Jim.
