Jim was first employed as an industrial chemist with the CSIRO whilst studying a science course at Melbourne University; however he soon became attracted to the fledgling IT industry at that time and joined IBM Australia in its earliest years. After initial computer training in USA he was responsible for the installation of the first IBM mainframe systems in Australia.
Then in 1957 when the British Blue Streak project was being set up at Salisbury and Woomera, Jim moved to South Australia and joined the computer group responsible for rocket tracking - with Trevor Robinson, Jess Barber and others.
In 1962 this project was completing and at about this time Trevor Robinson had secured the E.L. Heymanson agency in Australia for CDC and began setting up Control Data Australia in Melbourne. He advertised for engineering and management staff and Jim applied for a position. He was immediately appointed by Trevor who knew him from Salisbury.
Jim worked for CDA in senior management which he enjoyed immensely. He was promoted to a senior position in Australian Systems Division (ASD) when that was set up in 1970. He remained with CDA until about 1975 when he decided to purchase a News Agency in North Ivanhoe. After some years he decided to return to big business once more and joined Motorola managing contracts for them.
Jim was a keen 4 wheel drive enthusiast and when he retired he was able travel outback Australia. He was able to assist many of his friends with advice and planning for their trips. He loved the peace and tranquility of the outback.
He passed away peacefully on 7th September 2011 and is well remembered for the time he served with us at Control Data as a quietly spoken gentleman - a good manager and a 'people's person' He was well liked and well respected by all who worked for him and with him.
