Vale Jim Bourne: Militant gentleman

Jim and wife Rose

Jim Bourne, Balmain boy, former Newcastle port secretary of the Stewards Union and veteran activist died peacefully, Friday, October 16.

His funeral will be held on Friday at the Pettigrew's Funeral Parlour, Belmont.

MUA NNSW Branch Secretary Jim Boyle describes Jim as one of nature's true gentlemen. 

"He will be remembered for his tireless efforts working for the branch and the veterans," said Jim.   "He organised all our Christmas parties, picnic days, all the functions, rallies, anything we did Jim was there. He was a really great bloke."

Robert Coombs, former Sydney Branch Secretary, now member for state parliament sailed with Jim as a young seafarer.

"Jim was a great shipmate, a great union delegate and great organiser for the union.  He was a very honest, decent, principled and intelligent person - and good company on the golf course.  

Pat Geraghty, long time secretary of the Seamen's Union recalls Jim's contribution to amalgamation.

 "Jim was a Balmain boy.  He grew up on the waterfront, went to sea and became a militant steward. I knew Jim a long way back, some 40 years ago. He always supported amalgamation with the Seamen's Union. Jim did a great job for stewards.  He was known all over the coast as a good, solid, union activist."