How wonderful to have had a father like you. I am so blessed. I treasure the many times we shared life. The later years were precious, living so close & able to spend time with you. You are greatly missed. I love you Dad Julia

Haere ra matua Jim, Haere ra. You were a great teacher and a friend to us all. It was such an absolute honour to collaborate with you 9 years ago and share the art gallery together. A definite highlight for me. You were an artist, teacher and person of great integrity. May you sail well into the night from your long day out on the ocean. And to your family, our one sends our warmest wishes to you all. Arohanui ki a koutou.

Extraordinary! The fact is I knew Jim long before I met him. He was that extraordinary! This seems the best word, the only word that is in any way adequate. Quite extraordinary! We talked about art. Talked about making art. And eventually made and wrote about art together. Somewhere between all the weekend words – spoken and written, between all the art and all the art making, I met Jim. I met Jim in between the words, in the unexpected places; • Between the 4th and 6th teaspoon of sugar. • Between the Red Ochre and Vermillion. • Between the background and foreground of family photographs. • Before art and after the object. To paraphrase Jim - we met doing the small rather than the great things. In the middle of being together, you met Jim. You met him in the uncompromising exuberant tussle between thoughts and feelings through which we each find our own solutions and make our own Small Worlds. For you, Jim art, like life, seemed to be an all-hands-on-deck encounter with the world - one that we should throw ourselves into without reserve. Although for you the tussle is now over, our encounter is not. We all meet you here again today Jim – in between our feelings and our thoughts. In between the small things and the great things. We try to find a way to say goodbye. No amount of sugar seems sweet enough, nor color vibrant enough. But of course, you know that none of that really matters. We are together. Family and friends, we meet each other. Once again you have brought us together to an unexpected place. An extraordinary place. A place where between us, together we will each find our own way of saying goodbye. Goodbye, my friend. Meeting you was extraordinary!

Papa Jim. It's been a pleasure to know you. Am going to miss those special moments spent sharing Grandchildren together. A life well lived RIP. Janice & Noel Hobbs

Papa Jim. I have so many fond memories of spending time with you over the years. Visiting with you in Auckland, time on the Barrier and seeing your incredible artworks and exhibitions in both Auckland and Wellington. You have left an amazing legacy. I am so thankful that my children had the opportunity to meet you and develop their own relationships with you. Your connection with our daughter Lucy was truly special and was a blessing to both her and those who witnessed it. Rest in love Papa.

Throughout the years you have made our life more interesting. I still have the postcards from your early trip to Europe. I remember Dad and you sailing your yacht across the Tasman Sea and Dad regaling us with the time you both met around the mast, due to stormy seas. Your mother was a strong woman to cope with both her 'boys on the same yacht in the Tasman Sea. Russell remembers a very rough ride in the yacht down to Auckland after you invited him on board for the last stretch. Mum had her own tales of river yachting in Oz with you. I remember visiting you in a two-story barn structure under the newly growing Newmarket motorway extension and seeing the sculptures you were doing at the time. The Kiwifruit growing on the side of the building also stuck in my mind. I was proud to tell others of the artwork I knew you had done. Your Medlands house was q lovely one (or 2). At one stage there was a family member at Medlands< Claris and the top of Awana Beach. My father admired his big brother in so many ways. he enjoyed seeing what you were working on and meeting people involved in the creative arts. You are in many funny stories we tell if the family gathers. Your wit was the dry Allen humour that carried down the family. The last time I physically saw you was just after Mum and I returned from Australia when we all had a good afternoon at Julia's house. You had a long and interesting life but you will still be missed by those of us who remember you.

Dear Jim, Thank you for many great times, and for being the loveliest father in-law I could have wished for. Love Pauline

Dear Dad, Thank you for all you taught me, and being there when I needed you. Love Tony

My Grandad … he’s contributed in so many ways to the person I am today. He filled my life with love and compassion. He gives me the strength to design and stand out in a crowd. He filled the shoes as a significant male role model. With so many wonderful holidays & moments I’ll treasure. I’m so blessed to have had you in my life. I’ll love you always 🥰

Big hugs to you Pam and our thoughts to all your family as you celebrate Jim's life. We are grateful to have had Jim's support and friendship over the years. Love from Maree and Roger

Kia ora Jim Thank you for all the conversations. For putting up with us all on the Barrier. For being an inspiration and most of all, showing us all how to lead a rich and full life with humility and an open mind. Arohanui Mike

Dear Jim We will miss you. I hope you’re having a good laugh with Ron. Love Jet

Dear dad I have so many wonderful memories of you that I will cherish always. Although your body grew old your mind was always young, that mind and resolve was a powerful tool that enabled you to accomplish great feats. Maybe now you can sail with me again in spirit. Love ben