Wilson Everard co-founder Jim Everard passes away
Jim Everard the co-founder of Melbourne based advertising agency Wilson Everard passed away over the weekend.
Everard started the firm with partner Andrew Wilson in 1990 after an extensive career working as an art director with multinational agencies including JWT, Saatchi, Ogilvy and finally as creative directors of McCann Erickson.
A spokeswoman for the agency told Mumbrella:”I can confirm very sadly that Jim Everard passed away very suddenly Saturday (May 24).”
The agency has been responsible for a number of high profile campaigns for major clients including a revisit to the classic Pro Hart Stain Masters’ advertisement using Pro Hart’s grandson.
Just heard the shock news that we have lost one of Australia’s gentle geniuses in Jim Everard, who passed away suddenly over the weekend. I first met Jim and his working partner Andrew Wilson when we moved the BHP account to McCanns around 1985-86.
Softly spoken, unpretentious, never one for wild socialising, and with greater wisdom than one attains in only a few lifetimes, Jim was quite unlike almost all ‘creatives’, and yet his brilliance won him not just countless industry awards, but the respect of all who worked with and met him.
With his equally brilliant and mild mannered partner Andrew Wilson, they went out on their own and survived decades of very tough industry times. The fact that ‘Wilson Everard’ continues to thrive is a testimony to them both. I give thanks for having known Jim. I give thanks to having been a major, and a minor client of his and Andrews. And I hope to see him again in a far better place, where I know he will be a leader of thought.
My deep condolences to Jim’s family, his colleagues, and his friends, as well as Andrew and his family.
Pete
Nice guy and fought the good fight for Independent Agencies.
James was my best friend.
We met at Art College in England in 1973. We played tennis and had dinner together only 3 weeks ago here in England too.
I loved him like a brother and shall forever miss his cheeky humour, smiling face and gentle demeanour.
Kwa Heri Bwana.
I have just seen the sad news that Jim has passed. To say I am shocked is an undertatement. I had only known Jim for 4 years. Although initially meeting in a professional capacity I would like to think we had struck up a friendship. Indeed I was only in contact with him earlier this month to try and arrnage another catch up. A genuine and caring person. May he rest in peace.
Arthur
I have known Jim and Andrew since they formed Wilson Everard. I was pleased to award The Weekly Times account to them at that time. Jim was a fantastic guy, very quiet, gentle and quick witted. I enjoyed my annual lunch at Kenzan with Jim and Andrew which continued into my retirement. Jim will be sadly missed. My cndolences to his wife and family, Andrew and the agency!
I’m shocked saddened and lost for words. Thank you for your generosity. Thank you for everything, for making a difference. You and Andrew are part of some of the significant events in Carolyn and my life, that turned work into some memorable escapes and stories laughed at by people you never met! You are just a good guy. I feel very deeply for Andrew and for both your families and for the people that work at Wilson Everard. Please accept my sincere condolences for this way-too-soon loss. Rest in peace James
Very fond memories of James (and Andrew) during their agency’s involvement with the Royal Melbourne Show account.
Unassuming, laid-back but always with that little hint of mischief and ‘devilry’, he was a straight shooter and didn’t need all the agency ‘BS’ to make his point and get the job done.
He earned our respect as a top advertising man and as a mate.
RIP Jimbo