England Netball and the Netball Family as a whole are saddened to hear of the passing of devoted trailblazer of her time, June Jack MBE, who sadly passed away in June the night before her 92nd birthday.An England Netball Honorary Life Member, June made an immeasurable impact on the sport over her lifetime as a player, umpire, coach and volunteer, providing administrative support at both regional and national levels.As a player, June was a much-loved member of Birmingham and Harborne Netball Club, where she began her involvement in netball. In 1966, June and her teammates lifted the National Clubs Tournament trophy for the first time ever, winning the inaugural national competition. After demonstrating her talent at club level, June went on to represent her county and then had the honour of being selected for England’s ‘Rest’ side in 1963.
Harborne win the first ever National Clubs Tournament. Image: Our Netball History. From left to right: Joan Thomas, Barbara Adlam, June Jack, Brenda Ansell, Janice Bannister, Mary Unwin, Margy Hynes.
Beyond the court, June made immense contributions to the Netball Family. Regionally, she took on the role of Treasurer for the West Midlands Region and the West Midlands Centre of Excellence where she played a pivotal role in making the game happen for the netball community in the West Midlands. In 1995, June was appointed President of England Netball, a role which saw her have significant influence and create positive change working with the National Governing Body. In 2002 June was awarded an MBE for outstanding services to netball and in 2018, her lifelong contributions to the sport were further recognised as she was awarded Honorary Life Membership to England Netball.
June Jack MBE as President of England Netball. Image: Our Netball HistoryA true legend of the game, June will be greatly missed and never forgotten. Our deepest condolences are with her many friends in the game and her family.
