James Packer: Australian businessman
Born: September 8, 1967
James Packer and his father shared a lot of things, including dyslexia.
We didn’t agree on everything, I’m sure you know that’s typical with all fathers and sons but I think my father and I were… he was and is the dominant relationship of my life and I think that from my perspective, we were very close. If he was here, he’d say the same thing.
Just as Packer’s father had overcome his learning difficulties to become a great businessman, he taught his son to do the same.
My dad occasionally gave me a hard time but I must say that when I needed him to be supportive, when I needed him as a son or as a businessman, when I needed his support, he was always supportive. I think he’s very smart in the sense, that you know when, on occasions and, it wasn’t often, when on occasions he gave me a tough time, it was only ever when he knew I could handle a bit of practical encouragement.
After losing his dad, Packer went out of his way to encourage others to make sure that they always kept things right between themselves and their loved ones.
Looking back on it now, I thought dad had a bit longer to go. Also looking back now, I think he wanted to make sure that with the people that were in some way important to him, nothing was left unsaid. So that’s a great joy of my life to know that was the case with dad and I.