Longest serving Katherine mayor James ‘Jim’ Forscutt OAM remembered as ‘terrific man’

Katherine’s longest serving mayor is being honoured as a ‘lovely and lively’ man who dedicated his life to service of the town.

Jim Forscutt mayor of Katherine, in 2000.

Katherine’s longest serving mayor James ‘Jim’ Forscutt OAM is being remembered as a “terrific man” after he died on Sunday following an illness.

Born in 1941, Mr Forscutt started his career as a stockman at Killarney Station, surveying boundaries between cattle stations in some of the most remote parts of the NT.

He served on the Katherine Town Council for 23 years, joining local government in 1972 and being elected as an alderman a decade later.

Mr Forscutt headed the council for 16 years as mayor, and in 2019 was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community of Katherine.

He was the president of the Local Government Association in the NT and the junior vice-president of the national Local Government Association in 2012.

Most recently he ran a small herd of Brahman cattle on his 400-hectare property north of Katherine.

Jim Forscutt as Katherine Mayor.

Current Katherine Mayor Lis Clark sent her condolences on behalf of the community.

“It was sad to learn of the passing of Jim Forscutt over the weekend,” she said in a social media post.

“Jim served as an Elected Member and then Mayor of Katherine Town Council between the years of 1981 – 2004.

“Jim was passionate about Katherine and remained up to date on issues by attending our Council meetings over the years, long after his service.

“He always encouraged me and even rang to congratulate me when I was elected Mayor.

“I appreciate some of the conversations that we used to have over the years. He will not be forgotten.

“On behalf of Katherine Town Council and our town, we offer our sincere condolences to his wife Jan and the family.

“Rest in peace Jim.”

Jim Forscutt mayor of Katherine, NT 08 Mar 2000.

Goyder MLA Kezia Purick said “I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing”.

“Jim was a terrific man, lovely and lively and gave his time to everyone,” she said in a Facebook post.

Relatives of Mr Forscutt, Toni Tapp Coutts and her daughter Megan said “Uncle Jimmy” would be sadly missed.

“He would be seen strolling the streets and talking to people from all demographics, about a range of topics,” they said on social media.

“He was loved by many, particularly his family.

“He gave the best cuddles in the whole world.”

Hundreds of Territorians left messages of condolence in remembrance of Mr Forscutt.