The Haileybury Society is saddened to learn of the death of James Gourlay Freeland (C 50) on 17th October 2022, aged 86.

A prefect at Haileybury who played Rackets and Squash for the school in 1954, James later went up to Cambridge on a Classics scholarhip, graduating in 1960 and then taking his MA. His education was interrupted by a stint as a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Marines as part of his National Service; he later entered the shipowning firm of Naess Denholm in a move which was to define his career.

Wide shipbroking network

After six years at Naess Denholm James joined the shipbroking firm H Clarkson, staying there for the next 25 years. He became a well-known figure in the world of shipbroking with a reputation for his ethical stance and his professional approach, winning business – and life-long friendships – from some of the biggest names in the industry, including the Hong Kong magnate YK Pao.

Greek shipowning connections

During the oil crisis of the early 1970s, James worked with many of the leading Greek shipowning families of the age including Callas, Goulandris, Lemos, Livanos and Kulukundis, not to mention the Onassis and Thyssen families.

Although he took early retirement in 1991, he was soon back at Braemar Shipbrokers Ltd where, as a director, he continued not only to win more business but also to help shape the careers of many younger shipbrokers.

Industry reputation and service to others

In 2003, as a reflection of his status within the industry, he was elected President of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers. Like his father, he was also a member of the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights, serving as Prime Warden in 1997-98.

The Haileybury Society sends its deepest sympathy to James’s wife Diana and to their three children at this difficult time.