EXCLUSIVE
One of Australia’s leading television financial gurus has revealed he is battling Parkinson’s disease.
Craig James, chief economist at CommSec, has appeared on financial updates from morning television shows to the evening news for two decades, making him one of the most cited experts in the Australian media.
But the respected 62-year-old commentator now faces his biggest challenge yet as he battles the cruel uncertainty brought on by Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s is a degenerative disorder of the nervous system that cruelly robs a person of their bodily functions, being known to cause tremors, stiffness and difficulty maintaining balance.
The married father of three told friends and colleagues about his diagnosis about a month ago, while on sick leave from CommSec and disappearing from his regular television assignments.
“I felt it was the right time to share this (news) more widely,” he posted on LinkedIn.
‘I have amazing doctors, the love and support of my family (especially my wife Karen), my strong faith in God, and the full support of my CommSec family.’
Mr James, who is so passionate about fitness that he was once featured in Men’s Health magazine as one of its top six “everyman” figures, has turned to weight lifting as part of his treatment.
Craig James, one of Australia’s most prominent TV financial gurus, has revealed he is battling Parkinson’s disease. Above, James is on Sunrise with former presenter David Koch
Craig James, CommSec’s chief economist, has appeared for decades on financial updates from morning TV shows to the evening news, making him one of the most quoted experts in the Australian media (pictured with his wife Karen).
Mr James said he is tackling the disease vigorously, focusing on exercise, diet, sleep and treatment.
“It’s hard to stay ahead of something that’s so unpredictable in its progression,” he said.
“As for exercise, I’ve been lifting weights. The idea is that stronger muscles help with mobility.”
Mr James also revealed that despite his struggles, he recently won the Australian championship in the weight division for his age group.
The Sydney-based economist, who is now on sick leave, also revealed he would have to undergo speech therapy.
“Regarding medication and treatment, my healthcare professionals have provided me with invaluable guidance,” she said.
‘Medication continues to be subject to adjustments.
“I have started speech therapy and have also started programs that address mental health.”
Parkinson’s disease often causes sufferers to feel sick on a daily basis.
“All progress, however pleasant, is slow. Still, I need to be encouraged by my efforts. The journey continues,” he said.
Actor Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with the disease at age 29 in 1991 and still lives with it.
Boxing legend Muhammad Ali fought for three decades before dying of septic shock, aged 74, in 2016, while Former ABC Four Corners and Media Watch presenter Liz Jackson died aged 67 in 2018, just two years after going public.
Mr James’ LinkedIn post sparked an outpouring of sympathy, prompting the economist to thank well-wishers.
“The reaction and support really humbled me,” he said.
One man said that by going public he had helped others.
“Craig, there are many people who appreciate your bravery in telling your story and especially those facing their own battles who will find great comfort in your post,” she said.
Another LinkedIn follower praised him for revealing his personal health battle.
“I admire your vulnerability in sharing your story and your enthusiasm for everything you are doing to slow the progression,” she said.
Mr. James is so passionate about health and fitness that he was named one of the top six everyday men by Men’s Health magazine.
Mr James participates in a foot race, above
Another described him as a “truly amazing human being.”
“I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I can only imagine how hard it must be mentally,” she said.
Mr James completed a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Economics at the University of New South Wales in 1984, before undertaking a Masters degree in 1988.
He was an economist at the former State Bank of NSW in the 1980s and 1990s before becoming chief economist of the Commonwealth Bank’s securities trading division, Commonwealth Securities or CommSec, in August 2000.
At the start of the pandemic in 2020, he correctly predicted a rapid stock market recovery, pointing out that the decline was due to lockdowns and not a credit crunch.
