If you know Jim, you know it’s not hard to see the love he has for his family and the joy that he brings to the people around him.
Growing up in Murwillumbah with his parents, two brothers and sister, Jim enjoyed the love of his family and growing up in a Catholic household, he learned about the love of God and now holds the Lord dearly to his heart.
His father was a truck driver and occasionally Jim would help his dad on trips, leading him to explore around the area.
With a spirit of exploration, Jim travelled across the world through an organisation called Friendship Force International. He did bus tours of Russia and Turkey, an exchange with a family in the USA, and a trip to England. He also travelled to Nepal and trekked on the K-2 (the second highest mountain on earth!) and while he was there, he got struck by lightning! Jim described the sensation like a bang on the head saying, “it was like having a wooden log pushed down on your head.”
He also walked across Spain, did the Kokoda track 3 times, several treks around the Kimberly Region in North-Western Australia and travelled on small planes seeing the beautiful sights of Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre.
After finishing school, Jim moved to Newcastle to work as an electrician at BHP for 10 years, Greenleaf Fertilisers Kooragang for another 10 years and then Port Waratah for around 26 years!
During this time Jim would explore the city and attend dances including at the Palais Royale where he laid eyes on his beautiful wife Glenda. Jim recalled lovingly, “She was wearing a white dress and stood out in the crowd.”
They got married in 1969 and have a long and happy relationship with each other. Together they have two wonderful sons and three beautiful daughters.
In his spare time Jim enjoyed surfing, bike riding, and playing football. He played for the South Newcastle Football team for several years representing Newcastle in First Grade.
He also became very interested in wine making, tasting and collecting. Jim has even completed courses and joined clubs to understand more, including the Kirkton Wine Club. Between 1996 – 2012 Jim and Gleda presented wine tasting to the club nine times with wines from all over the world including Europe, and New Zealand. Over the years, Jim has gathered a personal collection of wines which he still has in the care of his wife.
One day at a bike race, Jim fell off his bike and was unable to sit or stand up. Because of the accident it was believed he was just dazed, however in this moment Jim was having a stroke. When he was eventually taken to hospital, he was given the heartbreaking news and told he needed rehabilitation.
He felt very supported by his family at this time saying, “at the hospital, my family came up and stayed with me which was nice.”
Part of Jim’s rehabilitation involved Surf Life Savers at Bar Beach putting Jim onto a special trolley and placing him into the water where he would stay for about an hour.
For Jim, rehabilitation has been a long road, and the effects of the stroke have been long lasting, however with strength and resilience Jim was able to regain some mobility including in his left hand.
Jim moved to Maroba in 2025 and likes to test his knowledge at trivia, get a workout at fitness groups and the gym, and he enjoys events like concerts and themed luncheons.
When asked what he thought about the staff, Jim said “the staff are excellent. They’re always available when I need them.”
Jim now has 9 grandchildren with his family visiting him often. They even celebrated one of his grandkids 18th birthdays right here at Maroba with a classic Aussie BBQ.
The humour, stories and love Jim shows to his family, friends and staff shows why he is a valuable and loved part of Maroba.
Featured in the April Maroba Connect 2026.