James Ackerman funeral: Mourners farewell Sunshine Coast footballer

By Beth Newman
Updated July 1 2015 - 3:08pm, first published 2:11pm
James Ackerman, pictured with children Olliver and Milly. Photo: Facebook
James Ackerman, pictured with children Olliver and Milly. Photo: Facebook
Tragic: James Ackerman who died after being injured in a tackle during a rugby league match.  Photo: Facebook
Tragic: James Ackerman who died after being injured in a tackle during a rugby league match. Photo: Facebook
"Anything he did he did because he loved it." Photo: Glenn Hunt
"Anything he did he did because he loved it." Photo: Glenn Hunt
Close to 1000 mourners attended James Ackerman's funeral. Photo: Glenn Hunt
Close to 1000 mourners attended James Ackerman's funeral. Photo: Glenn Hunt
A large crowd gathered on field to remember the young footballer. Photo: Glenn Hunt
A large crowd gathered on field to remember the young footballer. Photo: Glenn Hunt
Team mates and family members remembered the footballer.  Photo: Glenn Hunt
Team mates and family members remembered the footballer. Photo: Glenn Hunt
Teammates gathered around the field's edges as Ackermann was taken on a final lap of honour around the stadium. Photo: Glenn Hunt
Teammates gathered around the field's edges as Ackermann was taken on a final lap of honour around the stadium. Photo: Glenn Hunt

Through all that James Ackerman did and loved, football was the common thread.