VALE JIM DEVITT

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VALE 14102 LTCOL JAMES (JIM) HOWSON DEVITT (RET’D)

 

We were saddened by the death of our esteemed member, Jim Devitt, who passed away on 1 July 2013 at the age of 75 years.  Jim died in Bowral Private Hospital following a protracted struggle with a number of chronic health issues.  Our deepest sympathy goes to his widow, Helen, and to his children and grandchildren.

 

14102 Officer Cadet James Devitt enlisted in the Australian Army on 12 January 1956, graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant into Infantry and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel some 20 years’ later.  Jim served with the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam from 13 November 1964 to 3 November 1965.  He also served for a total of five years with the Pacific Islands Regiment in Papua New Guinea prior to that country’s independence.  Other postings included 11 NS Trg Bn, 1 RAR, 2 RAR, 3RAR, RMC, HQ 1 TF, HQ Trg Comd, 2 Trg Gp and DSU Sydney.

Our small group of veterans looked up to Jim as an old-school Infantry officer.  We enjoyed his company, his stories, his high spirits and his mateship.  So it was with great sadness that we watched our mate fade away and succumb to his war-caused health and medical conditions.  We commemorate his service; we salute him; we miss him; we will not forget him.

Australia is indeed fortunate to have people like Jim, a man who selflessly served his country and helped make it what it is today.  In addition to his military awards, Jim was appointed an Officer of the Order of Saint John.  After leaving the military, he served as Private Secretary to NSW State Governors, Cutler and Rowlands.

 

A Service of Thanksgiving for Jim’s life was conducted at Saint Stephen’s Anglican Church, Mittagong, on 15 July 2013.  The service was well attended by Jim’s family, friends and OCS classmates as well as ‘black handers’ from his PIR days.  The Southern Highlands Sub Branch of the VVPPAA (NSW) conducted a deeply moving Veteran’s Tribute Ceremony at Jim’s Thanksgiving Service prior to retiring to the Lion Rampant to pay final respects to the old warrior.

Many thanks to those Southern Highlands Sub Branch members who attended the service.

LEST WE FORGET