Jim’s first visit to the MWRS was in April 1997. It all started with a visit to Australia to see his daughter Lorraine and meet his first grandchild. Being a UK Ham, a quick search for a local Radio Club directed him to the Manly-Warringah Radio Society, meeting weekly only few clicks from his daughter’s QTH at Beacon Hill, and what would the chances be that one of the members actually works with Lorraine. See, it isn’t true you can always spot a Ham in a crowd … unless they are driving their car! So Yves VK2AUJ picked-up Jim at Beacon Hill from Manly on his way to Terrey Hills, Jim G4WOA was adopted on day one by the club’s members.
Jim and his wife Barbara came visit regularly between 1997 and 2001, but it wasn’t until they retired at the end of 2001 that they would come to stay in Sydney for several months at a time over summer – and that’s when Jim started coming more “regularly” most summers to the club.
Jim came to many of our Christmas BBQ’s but in 2012 he was still in England, so we saved him a chair, cooked him a sausage and had a drink with him anyway. Russell VK2BYN sent him the following pictures of the event.
In 2020, Jim and Barbara ended up staying in Sydney for 14 months to eventually move permanently in Australia in 2023!
Jim died peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday 12-Jul-2024. Jim was 87 (born 19-Mar-1937).
Jim’s funeral were held Thursday 25th July 2024 at 10.30am, St Ives Uniting church (cnr Douglas Street and Mona Vale Road).
Members at the funeral: Carmel VK2CAR, Geoff VK2TGO, Dom VK2JNA, Greg VK2XE, Russell VK2BYN, Bob VK2RL, Simon VK2YU, Richard VK2NRA, Sean VK2THT, Warren VK2JQA, Des VK2TGJ.
Tributes from the members
On ARNSW Broadcast Sunday 21-Jul-2024
From Bob VK2RL
I first met Jim at a radio club meeting many years ago. He immediately struck me as being a very friendly and interesting person. He regularly attended club meetings, but only in summer, as he returned to his UK home during the Australian winter months.
It was always a great occasion to welcome Jim back each year, generally in time for the Christmas BBQ. Jim and his wife Barbara eventually moved permanently to Australia in early 2023.
Jim was fairly active on HF, VHF and Echolink. He always enjoyed having a good chat, and I can recall many pleasant QSO’s with him. A few years ago I visited his radio shack at his home in the UK and couldn’t help but be impressed by his set-up.
Jim was well liked by all that knew him. His kind and gentle nature, as well as his witty sense of humour, made him a person of great compassion with a very caring attitude.
We are all very saddened at Jim’s passing. He will be missed so much, both at the club and by his family.
Vale Jim.
From John VK2ZWD
I’m shattered! utterly shattered!! Jim was a character and well liked member of our radio club VK2MB. He will be sorely missed.
From Russell VK2BYN
We’ve loved Jim’s big smile since he started visiting the club over our hemisphere’s summer about 25 years ago. Thank you so much for letting us know Lorraine, condolences to you, Barbara and family.
From Roger VK2GHB
I just can’t believe to hear the devastating news about Jim as we all know about the great move he and his wife made from England to Australia not too long ago and finally to Collaroy Plateau in wonderful Surounds and the Club helping him set up his Amatuer Radio Station which he was so grateful and now to hear of his passing is very upsetting for all of us. May you rest in Peace Jim
From Geoff VK2TGO
So sad. My condolences go to Jim’s family. After all his annual visits, it so nice he moved here permanently to be with his children. Gentleman Jim was such a nice bloke, very friendly and easy to talk with. He is missed by all who knew him.
From Richard VK2SKY
It’s always sad to see a fellow Amateur become a Silent Key, and “Pommie Jim”, as he was affectionately known at the club, is no exception. He was always friendly and cheerful when I met him, and his passing is a great loss for all of us. Vale Jim and my condolences to his family.
From Carmel VK2CAR
Jim was a very friendly man who put up with many of my jokes. Got to know him better last year when assisting in getting his DMR codeplug working for local repeaters. We lost him too soon. He will be sorely missed.
Jim in Ham Radio Today – September 1990
Jim in Ham Radio Today – December 1984
Thank you all so much for your lovely words, and the fabulous photos. It was wonderful to see to many club members at my dad’s funeral. Thanks in particular to Dom for being part of the service. The family really appreciated all of your contributions.
Lorraine