Passing of Jim Lewis

Seagulls icon Jim Lewis, unfortunately passed away yesterday after a long battle with dementia.

Lewis, father to Wally, was awarded Wynnum Manly Seagulls Life Membership in 2022 at our end of season Presentation Gala.

Jim and Wally are still the only father-son pairing to coach Wynnum Manly since the club’s inception in 1951.

Jim Lewis in 1976

Lewis retired at the end of the 1976 season, after coaching Wynnum Manly teams for the previous 16 years.

He was very popular with the players and had a policy that all credit belonged to his team when dealing with the media. He had the uncanny knack to bring out the best in his players.

Jim Lewis and Neville Hornery discussing tactics at training in 1976

Lewis was the Seagulls U18 coach from 1963-67, and then coached the 1969 Colts and the 1972 3rd Grade sides to their first ever premierships. He also coached the 1975 reserve grade premiership team.

He then finished his coaching career by taking charge of the Seagulls first grade side in 1976.

The BMD Wynnum Manly Seagulls would like to express our condolences to Jim’s wife June and the extended Lewis family and their friends.