This is my Grandpa and he was a great man. In the early hours of this morning he passed away. He just went away in his sleep. The perfect way to go.
Sir James Scholtens will be greatly missed. He was a cherished Grandpa, a devoted father to his 6 children, and much loved by all his 23 grandchildren and 19.5 great grandchildren.
Love love love.
Dear Fran, like you say that is the perfect way to pass away. What a big family. xxx
Did you mean Man there!!! Bless Grandpa – he had a damn fine innings!
see you soon,
love
Kate xx
Yes I did mean ‘Man’ not ‘mean’!! And I left out a great grandchild! Head throbbing and eyes sore from a teary and long day.
Sir James was a great Australian and an inspirational fellow Knight of the Southern Cross – a status that I truly believe he treasured as much as his deserved Imperial honour.
I will retain him in my prayers and thank God for meeting such a wonderfully jovial soul.
Lady Mary and your family, we share your loss, but, in confidence we know that greater honours await him.
May his soul and all the souls of the faithful find peace in heaven.
Just did a head count on Great Grandkids…there is 19 plus one on the way…that is correct. ONly 23 grandchildren though…of which I am the eldest (such responsibility!!!!) See you Friday xx
Fran, so sorry to hear of your grand-dad’s passing. I wish I could lean up from melbourne and give you a big hug. I hope friday is a great celebration of his life, I am sending my thoughts and parayers with my parents who will be there. Take care xx
Dear Fran, Lady Mary and the Scholtens family.
I worked for several years with Jim before and after his knighthood, which made little difference to his direct and manly style of getting things done. He never seemed to let status go to his head.
I missed his common sense and leadership very much when he retired somewhat prematurely. I also missed his playfulness when we were “in the field” on a visit. My preference was for non-Royal visits but occasionally we worked on Royal visits.
I recall his fulfilling a bet he lost against a newspaper editor in Adelaide by drinking champagne out of that man’s shoe while he (Jim) danced on a table.
On another occasion we were in flight with Prince Charles. It was Jim’s secretary’s birthday and he produced a birthday cake from somewhere. Charles expressed great interest in the event and was invited to cut the cake. He did so, kept the knife in his hand, bent the cream-laden blade back and pointed at us all crammed in the VIP cabin. There was nowhere to hide. After taking aim in several directions to our panic, the Prince returned the knife to normal to everyone’s relief.
I know you and all of Jim’s family will miss him but be assured that Jim will be rewarded for a life well-lived.
Greg O’Regan
[email protected]
Fran,
I know I am late but I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your grandfather. I know the loss that you must feel.
Can you please thank your mum and dad for the beautiful words in the card that they posted mum. Dad was a wonderful man and thought very highly of your family. We miss him.
Love Allison