Jim was born on June 17, 1913, at Berringa, near Ballarat and lived in Echuca-Moama since 1952.
Jim and his wife, Nell, had four children, John, Ian, Lynette and Michael (who died in a car accident in 1975).
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Before he died, Jim was believed to be the oldest man living in Victoria and the fifth oldest man in Australia.
Two months after his 108th birthday, Jim died at Echuca hospital.
A private family funeral was held on Wednesday, August 18, and Jim’s son Ian said a memorial would be held once COVID-19 restrictions allowed.
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Words from Jim's son, Ian Stapleton
Dad was inspirational, a man of many talents, he was very family and community-minded.
He was a leader within the agricultural department in the dairy division during his working life, with particular talent with the artificial breeder innovation that was the forerunner of IVF in Australia.
He was very sporty; he played football, he was a cyclist, a golfer and a bowler. He was instrumental in leading the establishment of the Rich River Golf Club. He was a bowler until last week — he bowled last Monday.
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He loved music and always had a harmonica in his pocket, which he pulled out to entertain people wherever he went.
He was a keen Freemason for 82 years and was past senior grand warden, member of Campaspe Valley lodge in Echuca and was the choir master at the time of his death.
A talented gardener who loved growing things, he especially loved grafting different fruit, trees and flowers on to the one tree.
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Married to Mum for 76 years, she died just before her 100th birthday four years ago. There were four children, brother John who died two years ago, Ian and Lyn, six grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
Dad was of Irish descent and close to his extended family of six siblings, whose father died when he was seven years old.
Dad was larger than life, he was gregarious and always loved being the centre of attention. An excellent intellect and amazing memory.
Dad read the paper every day — in the latter years with a magnifying glass — and read copious books and journals.
He had the uncanny ability to recall not only everybody he knew, but all their family connections.
Dad was a leading light in so many community organisations and in our family. He’s been the one most responsible for keeping his large family together, with frequent family gatherings and reunions throughout his life.
His legacy will live on throughout his family and throughout the Echuca district for many years to come.
Dad loved living in Echuca and it was his absolute delight to be known and recognised by so many whenever he went down the street or out to the club to play golf or bowls.
He’ll be sadly missed by everyone who knew him — his engaging personality and entertaining style, he’s a great loss to us all.
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