James Schofield Balderstone AC (1921 - 2014)

Born 2 May 1921 in Balwyn, Victoria, Australia

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Biography

Jim Balderstone AC is Notable.

Sir James Balderstone AC was a prominent Australian director of public companies and promoter of the Australian primary industry.

Jim Balderstone AC was born in Victoria, Australia

Jim Balderstone AC is one of twins.

James 'Jim' Schofield Balderstone was born on 2nd May 1921 in Balwyn, Victoria, Australia. He was the son, and one of identical twins, of James Balderstone and Mary Taylor. They were later joined by another brother and three sisters. The family made their home in the leafy Melbourne suburb of Canterbury. He and his identical twin brother, Robert, were educated at Scotch College, Melbourne. Bob was his constant companion and best friend: We shared thousands of days of friendship, Jim recalled in 2001. ^[1]

Jim Balderstone AC is a Military Veteran.
Served in the Royal Australian Navy 1941-1945

On 20th January 1941 he enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) for service during the Second World War. ^[2] He was serving on HMAS Kanimbla in Sydney Harbour on the night that Japanese midget submarines attacked.

The war over, and won, James was demobilised on 17th September 1945 at HMAS Lonsdale. ^[2]

After the war he embarked on a career in the rural sector and business.

James married Mary unknown.

He was most noted for his seemingly tireless work on the boards of directors of some of Australia's largest corporations and even his alma mater, several as chairman, including:

• chairman of BHP 1984-89
• chairman of AMP
• chairman of Stanbroke Pastoral Company
• chairman of Chase AMP Bank
• chairman of the Council of Scotch College, Melbourne
• deputy Chairman of Westpac
• director of ICI Australia
• director of Woodside Petroleum

In the New Year Honours 1983 James was created Knight Bachelor for his service to for service to primary industry and commerce. ^[3] James was appointed Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in the Australia Day Honours 1992 in further 'recognition of his ongoing service to primary industry, and business and commerce'. He was then living in the Melbourne suburb of Canterbury ^[4]

In 2003 James suffered a stroke, which left him with a speech impediment for the remainder of his life. Aged 93 years, he passed away on 15th October 2014. The Sydney Morning Herald published the following obituary on 18th October: ^[5] He was survived by his four children and their families.

"BALDERSTONE Sir James Schofield AC

"2.5.1921 - 15.10.2014

Aged 93 years

"Dearly loved and devoted husband of Mary (dec) for sixty-five years.

"Much loved and inspiring father of Jim, Susan, Elizabeth and Richard.

"Wonderful Grandpa of James, Anouk and Lucy; Andrew, Elizabeth, Edward, Charles and Felicity; Alice and Kirsty; and Ned, Indi and Joe. Proud Great-Grandfather of Freya and James; Noah, Louis and Harrison; Matilda; James and Isabella; George and Camilla; and William.

"Loved and supportive father-in-law and friend of Susie, Gerald, Alistair (dec) and Sophie.

"Welcoming and respected friend of Rebecca, Julian, David, Charmaine, Charles and Morgan.

"Died peacefully at home after thirteen brave years of ill-health.

"His caring wisdom, warm sense of humour, hard work, and deep love of family, friends and Australia will be remembered by us all forever."

James' identical twin brother, Robert Balderstone CMG MC (1921-2012), was a councillor of the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria for 41 years and president from 1976 for six.

Sources

1. ↑ Sydney Morning Herald: 'Modest hero carried flag for the land'. 25 Jun 2012; accessed 3 Mar 2024
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} Department of Veterans' Affairs nominal roll: PM3298 Sub Lieutenant James Schofield Balderstone; accessed 3 Mar 2024
3. ↑ Australian Honours: Knight Bachelor; accessed 3 Mar 2024
4. ↑ Australian Honours: AC; accessed 3 Mar 2024
5. ↑ Sydney Morning Herald, 18 Oct 2014; accessed 3 Mar 2024

See also:

• Wikipedia: James Balderstone; accessed 3 Mar 2024.