James ‘Jimmy’ McGill deserves a medal for intervening to help children after mother shot: Neighbours

A 66-year-old Mackay man was helping his mum around the house when police allege two terrified little girls asked him for help after a woman was shot in front of them. He didn’t hesitate.

Forensic investigators at the scene of an alleged murder on Robb Pl, South Mackay on June 20, 2024. Picture: Michaela Harlow

The 66-year-old man who threw himself in harm’s way after a mother was shot in front of her child should be honoured with a medal, according to his neighbours.

James ‘Jimmy’ McGill of Grasstree Beach was at his 89-year-old mother’s home at Robb Pl, South Mackay on June 19 after taking her to the doctors when the shots rang out.

When two little girls came running for help, he didn’t hesitate, immediately coming to their aid before he was shot in the chest, police allege.

After sitting through surgery, it’s believed he is on the mend.

But who is the kind man who risked everything without hesitation?

Mr McGill is recently retired after owning a motor trimming business, and had been spending more time helping his mother.

Grasstree Beach resident Sam Slater, 32, said his neighbour Jimmy McGill should be recognised for his bravery. Photo: Zoe Devenport

Mr McGill’s neighbours all said he was a “wonderful” man as well as a keen fisherman, owning three boats at his Grasstree Beach home.

Next-door neighbour Glenn Wright, 61, had not heard Jimmy was injured in the shooting, but confirmed he was a “great bloke” and would “do anything for anybody”.

The two would often go fishing out near Pluto Island and other favourite spots.

“It’s terrible that he’s been shot, I hope he survives … I wouldn’t wish that on anyone,” Mr Wright said.

“He usually goes to see his mum on a Friday and comes home Saturday.

“He’s very good to her, he goes and mows the lawn and does that sort of stuff for her … and his own place is immaculate.”

Grasstree Beach resident Glenn Wright, 61, said his neighbour Jimmy McGill would "do anything for anybody". Photo: Zoe Devenport

Mr Wright said Mr McGill was well known thanks to his previous business Jim McGill Motor Trimmers, and they had become friends in his retirement.

His Grasstree Beach neighbours were not the only ones to speak positively on him, people living on his mother’s street where the shooting took place were just as eager to praise his work.

Even his neighbour Sam Slater, 32, who did not know Mr McGill as well, said he “absolutely” thought Mr McGill deserved a medal for having the courage to “run into danger”.

Natalie Frahm was killed on June 19, 2024, with the alleged shooter, Ryan Cole, 31, charged with murder, and attempted murder for the alleged shooting of James McGill. Picture: Supplied

“I absolutely applaud the man, 66 years old and he’s going in, it shows that spirit,” Mr Slater said.

“A lot of people just drop in shock.”

Mr Slater wished Mr McGill a “speedy recovery” and said he hoped “justice gets served”.

The Queensland Police Service was contacted to ask if it would be honouring Mr McGill with a medal or another form of recognition. We did not receive a response prior to publishing.