| James Achurch | |
| Fullname: | James Dudley Achurch |
| Nationality: | Australian |
| Birth Date: | 1928 1, df=yes |
| Birth Place: | Epping, New South Wales |
| Death Place: | Nambour, Queensland |
| Country: | Australia |
| Sport: | Athletics |
| Event: | Javelin throw |
| Club: | Thompson Estate and Eastern Suburbs Athletics |
| Show-Medals: | yes |
| Updated: | 23 November 2015 |
James Dudley Achurch (21 January 1928 - 5 November 2015)[1] was an Australian javelin thrower who competed in the 1956 Summer Olympics.[2] He won the gold medal in the men's javelin throw event at the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Vancouver, Canada.[3]
Achurch discovered his talent while growing up on a farm in New South Wales and throwing rocks and rabbits. His father later sold the farm and purchased a tennis center, where James learned to play the game as well.
Over the years, Achurch worked in multiple professions, including running a passionfruit and pineapple farm, as well as a carriage builder, a house painter, and a wardsman, plus running maintenance contracts for Nambour General Hospital.[4]