The Australian flag flew at half-mast at Bradman Oval as friends from the media, entertainment world and community remembered the man who ensured the survival of Ginger Meggs and helped to create Bradman Museum.

Actors Noeline Brown, Bill Young and Dina Mann, Top Deck co-founder Bill Young, former Sun-Herald editor Peter Allen and cartoonists Warren Brown and Bill Leak recalled Mr Kemsley's eventful life: From hosting the Super Flying Fun Show as Skeeter The Paper Boy, to Top Deck tour guide, playwright, author and the man behind Ginger Meggs for more than 20 years.

Speakers recalled Mr Kemsley as an optimistic and generous man who inspired others with his creativity and energy. Although Mr Kemsley was a dedicated ALP supporter, tributes came not only from former Wran Minister Rodney Cavalier but also former Liberal Premier John Fahey, now chairman of the Bradman Museum.

Mr Fahey, a friend of 45 years and member of the Meggs XI touring side, said constants in Mr Kemsley's life were his impish smile, cartooning, cricket and his family.

“My grandchildren and grandchildren will still be reading Ginger Meggs,” he said.

“None of them will ever read that without thinking of James Kemsley and that is a wonderful legacy.”

The 1.5-hour service was filled with laughter and applause, mostly directed at Mr Kemsley's reputation as the world's worst cricketer.

“This is probably the only time James has been on Bradman Oval and not scored a duck,” Mr Allen said.

Speaking on behalf of Australian cartoonists, Mr Leak and Mr Brown thanked Mr Kemsley for reviving the Australian Cartoonists' Association, formerly the Black & White Artists' Club.

Mr Leak, whose work is published in The Australian, said his cartoons and Mr Kemsley's had appeared in 131 papers between them.

“Unfortunately, 130 of those were James',” he said.

But Mr Cavelier also recalled an artist who continued to work into the last months of his struggle with motor neurone disease.

Speaking on behalf of his mother Helen and brothers Hywel and Seb, Jed Kemsley said his father never sought applause but simply loved people and loved to help them.

“To others he was a household figure, but to me he will always be the father who was there anytime," he said.