Former Rockhampton mayor, businessman Jim Webber dies peacefully in home
One of Rockhampton’s stalwarts has died after a long battle with illness, but his legacy will remain visible for years to come.
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One of Rockhampton’s stalwarts has died after a long battle with illness, but his legacy will remain visible for years to come with “his fingerprints are all over the city”.
Former Rockhampton mayor and businessman James ‘Jim’ Webber, 84, died peacefully at home with his family on Monday morning, his son Doug Webber told The Morning Bulletin.
Doug said his father, who was responsible for turning the land where Kershaw Gardens now stands from being a rubbish tip into a community sanctuary, had suffered a stroke about a week ago and had not been able to swallow since.
He said Jim, who had been diagnosed with lymphoma on the bowel when he was 59 years old and went into remission only for it to return in his brain aged 72, still had his sense of humour right to the end.
Doug said his dad was full of life, with his brothers here in Rockhampton with him, along with wife of almost 63 years Stella and family at home with Jim when he passed away.
He said his father wanted to be at home as he was “pining for mum”.
Many across the city will remember Jim from Webber’s Electrical with Doug, and earlier Webber’s Discount with his brother Colin, along with his long standing dedication to serving the Rockhampton community as alderman (what councillors used to be called) and mayor for more than three decades.
However, the Webber family - including children Roxi, Narelle, Doug and Helen along with 15 grandchildren and four great children - will remember him as “firm but fair” father, “gentle dad”, “a man who couldn’t say no” who had an “adventurous” spirit and had a pet camel, peacocks, bull, donkeys and horses on the family’s five-acre property at Koongal.
Doug said he and his father used to ride the horses every morning and one time, as they were riding along Lakes Creek Road outside the rubbish dump, his father got bucked off into the dump.
“We had to go in and get him,” Doug chuckled.
In 1970 when he was 29 years old, Jim was elected alderman on Rockhampton Council and in 1982 he succeeded Rockhampton’s longest serving mayor of 30 years, Rex Pilbeam.
He served as Mayor for three consecutive terms from 1982 to 1991 and from 1997 he served for a further 11 years as councillor, and was deputy mayor during the last four years to 2008.
Doug said during his political career, his dad was responsible for the council purchasing the airport and the opening of the Music Bowl which hosted famous bands INXS and Midnight Oil performing for crowds of 5000 people, and Kenny Rogers attracting 10,000.
Former mayor Margaret Strelow said she worked as a childcare director when Jim was first elected onto the council.
She said Jim was an “extraordinary leader” in a “time of growth and he understood the need to grow the city”.
“I very much respected and admired the way he dealt with people,” Mrs Strelow said.
“I watched him chair meetings and used his style as a model.
“I very much saw him as a mentor.
“I also had the privilege of being mayor while he was deputy for a period.
“He was loyal, he was supportive, he was all the things he had been as mayor.
“I couldn’t have wished for a better deputy.”
Current Rockhampton Mayor Tony Williams, on behalf of Rockhampton Regional Council and the Rockhampton community, offered condolences to Jim’s family.
“Jim was a dedicated leader who made a lasting impact on Rockhampton and our community. He served with commitment, vision and passion throughout his entire career as both councillor and mayor,” Mayor Williams said.
“Rockhampton has been lucky in its history by having some truly great mayors.
“Mayors who cared first and foremost for making our region better, making Rockhampton more liveable, securing jobs and putting our best foot forward.
“Jim Webber sits squarely in that tradition.
“He cared, he led and he delivered for Rockhampton at a critical time in our history.
“He was a driving force behind so many projects we take for granted today and which have become a lasting feature of our city and region.
“On a personal note, I have always appreciated Jim’s feedback, his thoughts and his advice and would highlight that he remained deeply connected to our city and its progress throughout.
“Jim Webber will be greatly missed, but his legacy will always live on in Rockhampton.
“Vale Jim.”
Recently elected Rockhampton state MP Donna Kirkland knew Jim and his family for almost 30 years.
“During that time, I observed as Mr Webber went through his cancer journey, business journey, and of course his time serving our region as local councillor and mayor,” she said.
“A source of great inspiration, Mr Webber consistently exhibited grace, integrity, honesty and incredible resilience.
“Most of all, his faith never wavered.
“He stood boldly on the firm foundation of His Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
“Mr Webber, constantly asked me to call him Jim, but I believe, there should always be a level of respect for the man who has done so much for the people of Rockhampton, pouring his life and soul into all that he did, and addressing him as Mr Webber, was my way of showing that respect.
“A life well lived, to the fullest.
“VALE Jim Webber.”
A post by Doug on the Facebook page Rockhampton & Surrounds Deaths, Funerals & Memorials announcing Jim’s death and his funeral details attracted 536 comments and over 1100 emoji engagements in 20 hours.
Funeral details:
A service at Cathedral of Praise Carlton St, at 1pm Friday, November 8, will be followed by a service at North Rockhampton Cemetery at 3:15pm for close family.
Family will be hosting a reception to all who would like to join at Rockhampton Leagues Club, 4pm for a celebration of Jim Webber’s life.
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