Jim Small lived a full and notable life.
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He was well known to many throughout the Riverina, and none more than here in Deniliquin.
Jim was born in Bondi, NSW on September 22, 1933, the youngest son to Ivan and Phoebe Small and a brother for John and Sheila.
Jim’s father received a promotion in 1938 to become the Bank of NSW branch manager in Deniliquin.
So age five, Jim and his family moved into the manager’s residence above the branch, where Jim spent the rest of his growing-up years.
As a young boy Jim suffered an eye accident when hammering in a wire stake to hold up his new tent.
The stake re-flexed back and pierced his right pupil, permanently weakening his sight.
As Deniliquin had no ambulance or access to aerial transfer, Ivan drove the family direct to St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney for the eye operation, which was on roads much less developed than today.
Jim often told his family that his eyesight in his left eye increased to compensate for the loss in his right eye.
Jim attended all of his schooling years at Deniliquin Public, more commonly known as the George Street School.
His better subjects were woodwork and technical drawing and he developed loves for bike riding, fishing, sport and his pet animals.
As he grew more capable, on weekends and after school, he assisted his father on farm improvement.
It fostered his practical skills and interest in farming.
Upon leaving school, Ivan wanted Jim to get some commercial experience, so he began employment as a junior clerk in the bank.
He did once have an interest to become an architect but Ivan told him there were ‘too many architects and wouldn’t hear of it’.
At least this view did not carry through to the next generation!
In 1951, and after 13 years in Deniliquin, Ivan received a transfer to the north coast of NSW, and took up the manager position at the Mullumbimby branch.
Jim stayed in Deniliquin to farm and moved a small house on to the property ‘Billinudgel’, which he co-owned with his brother John.
In 1952, he moved to the north coast to work with his father on a farm that had been purchased at Mooball (‘Moball’), about 20km north of Mullumbimby.
This was a challenging period with floods and cyclones impacting crop yields, however it was during this time that he met Judy Davies of Mullumbimby, in 1953 at the debutante ball.
Soon after, Jim did his national service at Wakol, Queensland and Judy attended the passing out parade with his parents.
After becoming engaged, Jim decided to move back to Deniliquin to farm and prepared a home to bring his new bride to in October 1955.
Family came over the following years — Richard, Robyn, Geoff and Julie.
Jim worked in partnership with his brother John and began to make his life as an effective young farmer.
With the expansion of the Murray Irrigation Area, farm production opportunities were increasing, and Jim joined the early wave of rice production, which would become a major economic boost to the district.
He was a successful farmer and focused on the combination of rice, wheat, cross bred ewes and Murray Grey cattle.
Son Geoff and grandson Josh continue the much-enlarged farming operation today.
Jim was very engaged in his industry and community, and served a number of local organisations in voluntary roles.
This included the Wandook School P&C, the rice marketing board, and hospital board which led him to his significant role as chair of the development committee for the first local nursing home. Navorina was officially opened in October 1986.
Earlier in 1975 he won the 2QN Countryman of the Year — an award centered on the listening area, and presented by the then NSW Premier, Tom Lewis.
This prize recognised the success of his agricultural enterprise and commercial sensibilities.
His active involvement in the Ricegrowers Association of Australia led to election as a board member and, amongst other things, his attendance at the World Food Conference in Rome in 1980.
Jim was raised in a faith-oriented home and attended St Paul’s Anglican Church for almost all of his life.
His church participation led to roles on the Parish and Riverina Diocesan Council.
He formed part of the team that developed the new church facilities and rectory in the mid 1970s.
Jim was also an active member of the local branch of the County Party — later to become the National Party.
In 1984, following the move by the local state member Tim Fischer into federal politics, Jim was selected as the National’s candidate for the seat of Murray, which he subsequently won.
He served in this role from 1985 to 1999 (14 years), and created a legendary legacy that would remain with him for the rest of his days.
Whilst Jim's life has often been defined by his multiple activities and achievements, he was still very much a husband, father of four, grandfather of 15, and great grandfather of 25.
‘‘Jim was the man I married, the love of my life, over 66 years of marriage,’’ Judy said.
‘‘He was a wonderful husband and father and we are very thankful for a wonderful family, who support me.
‘‘I can see the qualities of Jim in all our family; I feel very blessed.’’
Robyn remembers her father as a loving and affectionate husband, father and great grandfather
‘‘Dad was always humble and kind, and he was a wonderful Christian and proud Australian,’’ she said.
‘‘He was admired for his generosity to others in need, and he continuously did this. It made him happy to be able to help others.
‘‘Dad had a love of animals and birds. When we were young, I'm sure we had a mini zoo.
‘‘Dad loved to keep the grandchildren amused by drawing pictures on their back and asking them to guess what he had drawn; they loved this.
‘‘I never heard him swear, and he always had good things to say. Whenever it was time to leave, he would always say ‘may God bless you’.
‘‘He made us all so very proud and we loved him so much.’’.
For Julie, it was her father’s ‘‘integrity, honesty, determination, commitment and his giving and charitable nature’’ that was held up as a amazing example of how a person should act.
‘‘I especially love the example of generosity and the giving spirit, that he was always ready to help others and lend a hand to those in need. I see this legacy live on through so many members of our family.
‘‘I also appreciate that he made time every year to take us on a family holiday to Yamba, which is now my favourite holiday destination, and has been a holiday destination for six generations now.
‘‘We all have such fond memories of Yamba and the time shared there. This is now a tradition that I share with my family and love spending time at the beach, fishing and relaxing with them all including my grandchildren.
‘‘I am so thankful to Dad for enriching my life with this special place and memories.’’
Geoff said his Dad was much more than a father and a grandfather, he was his mate.
‘‘From fishing and football to working together, I have many memories of great times spent with him.
‘‘I loved sitting on the Billabong Creek next to him just fishing and talking.
‘‘I am so proud to have had him as my father, friend and mate!
‘‘I just loved being with him, working, fishing and travelling with him on his bike trips around the country.
‘‘He set high standards for all of us.
‘‘As his son and friend, as I grew up he made me believe if you really put your mind to something and tried hard you could do anything – and it is true!
‘‘Dad helped shape my life and made me the person — the father and grandfather — that I am. I am very grateful for this.
‘‘I spent a life with him but I wish we could have had more time. As I go around the farm and look at the places we spent time together I look for him but take comfort in the memories I have.’’
Like his siblings, Richard said his father taught and modelled him to be the person he is today, and much of this carried through to his own children and their children.
‘‘I once asked Dad what he wanted his legacy to be,’’ Richard said.
‘‘He didn’t really have an answer at that moment, but I think it is quite clear by his life and actions.
‘‘His legacy is forged out of his character and faith. It is not hard to recount the history of a life, but the character and legacy of a person are the deeper part of the story that also deserve to be recognised.
‘‘Dad was an independent, resourceful, capable, strong and principled man. He was hardworking and prospered in almost all that he did. He occupied a proud position in his family and community.
‘‘His values came from his upbringing and Christian faith, which informed his character, decisions and determination.
Some of his values included telling the truth, generosity, controlling your tongue, a strong work ethic, good manners, respect for women and fairness toward all.’’
Jim’s political career started on February 2, 1985 and he served four terms as the NSW Member for Murray.
Before that he was chairman of the Deniliquin branch of The Nationals from 1978 to 1985, a member of the Riverina Federal Electoral Council from 1977 to 1985 and member of the Farrer Federal Electoral Council from 1984 to 1985.
He served on backbench committees on natural resources, transport, public works, Aboriginal affairs and he was chair of the agriculture committee.
Just two of the many highlights and stories that Judy recalls from this time includes meeting The Queen at NSW Parliament House in February 1992, following the official opening of Darling Harbour.
Jim’s long time executive assistant Faye Falahey, Merilyn Hussey and daughter Robyn attended too.
‘‘Mum felt quite faint beforehand, but recovered just in time for that special moment,’’ son Richard said.
‘‘She also recalled how Dad couldn’t say no to his many invitations, so amongst his acceptances they attended many debutante balls and end of school functions.
‘‘Mum tells the story of one ‘very big single day’ — when they travelled to an event at Finley Primary School followed by Corowa High School, then drove back to Deni to fly to Swan Hill and then drive out to attend the Tooleybuc School presentation.
‘‘On arrival Mum was presented with a huge bunch of gladiolis and she said that she ‘felt like Dame Edna and wanted to throw the flowers out to the crowd’.’’
Faye’s recollections of Jim are of someone who was ‘‘so incredibly hard working, kind, dedicated and passionate about his electorate’’.
She said that resulted in Jim being respected, admired and appreciated by his constituents, which saw him elected as Member for Murray three times.
Faye said in all three elections he received the second highest number of votes in the state — at 77.2 per cent, 81.38 per cent and 77.62 per cent respectively.
‘‘I was privileged to be his executive assistant for his entire parliamentary career, and while I discovered just how much dictation he could record while driving from Deniliquin to Wentworth or
Pooncarie and back, I also discovered what an incredible human being he was,’’ Faye said.
‘‘The role of Member for Murray was not all about Hansard, policies and speeches, although there were certainly plenty of them.
‘‘In life Jim gave much more than he received, and received much less than he deserved.
‘‘His generosity knew no bounds. In addition to the personal cheque of $10,000 he sent to a couple who had come to see him about their financial woes, there were many times he provided financial assistance to individuals for electricity accounts, car registrations, medical needs, etcetera.
‘‘While most MPs selected one school within their electorate to make an end of year donation to, Jim gave a donation every year to every school within his electorate, which extended from Corowa to the South Australian border, and Moama to almost Wagga.
‘‘Jim was also a bit unique in that he was extremely popular and highly regarded by his parliamentary colleagues of all political persuasions.
‘‘He was affectionately and aptly known as Gentleman Jim.’’
During his life, Jim received a number of awards including the Rotary Paul Harris Award.
His highest honour was being made a member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2000.
This honour recognised his service to the people of his electorate and local community.
‘‘I would add that it also reflected the amazing support of mum throughout the years,’’ Richard said.
‘‘Mum was there for him and gave amazing support.’’
Jim’s retirement from politics in 1999 opened a door to fulfill a boyhood dream to cycle around Australia.
This was a notable achievement given his age — then 65 — and included an opportunity to join with a Rotary support team that was also raising funds for health research.
This ride was over 12 weeks, covered 13,505km and raised $400,000 in total.
On his longest leg, he rode 366km in a single day across the Nullarbor.
Jim’s bike was donated to the Deniliquin & District Historical Society and forms part of its display today.
During part of his ride, Jim rode with a Swedish gentleman, Hans Ekman, who on receiving the sad news of Dad’s passing, Hans wrote the following message:
‘‘I have received this sad message and my heart is breaking,’’ it reads.
‘‘My thoughts are going back when we were riding together. And I got a best friend forever.
‘‘It made me so happy that we made it to Australia one last time (in 2017) and I will have it in my memories forever.
‘‘We are sending our blessing and love and you will always be in my heart.’’
It was also in that period after his retirement that Jim and Judy joined the grey nomads, and travelled with their caravan on many mid-year trips to northern parts of Australia chasing warmer weather, fish and friends.
Jim facilitated an older men’s network called OMNI and maintained an active interest in all things to do with the farm, his rural community and the National Party.
He attended church regularly and often took a group of men for a coffee to Scoop ‘n Brew after the service, where he would always pay.
‘‘While he will be remembered for his hard work and community involvement, Dad enjoyed a few personal passions other than work,’’ Ric said.
‘‘Cars — he owned many over his life, but the standouts will be the two Cadillacs and a Chevy Sport that he had in the 1960s and early 1970s.
‘‘He also loves icecream, milkshakes and lollies, his pet dogs and birds, the St Kilda footy team, and writing poems as an expression of well wishes or celebration.’’
In 2019, with deteriorating health and after 64 years at Billinudgel, Jim and Judy moved to Navorina, where they received great care.
Advancing dementia and frailty finally brought this remarkable life to a conclusion on October 29 this year.
A large part of Jim’s life has been recorded in his autobiography, The Small Boy, which he published in 2015 in partnership with Baker Writing Services.