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| 23 Nov 2023 | |
| Written by Bianca Harms | |
| Where are they now? |
James was born at the beginning of 1948, into a farming family who had lived and worked in the same area, since the land was taken up in 1869. The property is located northwest of Clare, next door to a well known property called Bungaree.
James’ early education was spent at the Brinkworth Area School, and following in his father’s and uncles’ footsteps, went as a Boarder to St Peter's College, first to the Prep 1959 and then to Wyatt and Allen.
Image: 1st SPSC Scout Troop 1959
The strong connection to the School has continued through the generations, with his son, Angus (W&A 1990) attending as a boarder, and grandsons, Spencer, Jonte, Banjo and Fergus Reimann also attending as Boarders (S&A) with another one to come.
Image: Wyatt & Allen House 1961
Image: Wyatt & Allen House 1964
After leaving school in 1964 it was arranged for him to spend the next few years jackerooing, first on a station west of Port Augusta, secondly on a property in northeastern NSW. Two vastly different experiences.
He returned home at the end of 1966 to work on the family property, which was a mixed farming enterprise. Soon after arriving home he joined Rural Youth, and the CMF (Army Reserve) as part of National Service. Having spent quite a few years away from home, he found these organisations to be a great way to meet locals and connect with the community.
James married Prue (nee McEwin) in 1971, and they continued working on the family property, having 2 children, Angus and Skye. So began a long and a very committed life to serving the community.
James became actively involved with a variety of organisations in the area- Clare Primary School Council, Clare Show Society, Burra Clare Snowtown Hospital Board and he was a Councillor on Bylth- Snowtown District Council. When the amalgamation of several councils took place and he became the Inaugural Mayor of the Wakefield Regional Council, based at Balaklava, a role that lasted 17 years (a total of 27 years in Local Government).
His role in Local Government extended to involvement in many Regional and State Boards including:
His knowledge of rural health and its challenges, led to becoming the inaugural Chairman of the Wakefield Regional Health Service Board, an area covering the Mid North, the Barossa Valley and the Yorke Peninsula.
In 2015 he was honoured to be awarded an OAM for service to the Wakefield Region and Local Government at Regional and State level. It was wonderful to be acknowledged for his contribution to the community.
He has experienced some health issues over the past few years, which has impacted on his community service.
James and Prue sold the farm in 2014 and have enjoyed retirement in the Barossa Valley.