It is with profound sadness that the SESVA acknowledges the passing of James ‘Jim’ MacLean ESM, a much-loved and highly respected member of the State Emergency Service in WA.
On half the Management Committee and our wider SES family, we extend our condolences to Jim’s wife Jan, his family, and all who were privileged to serve alongside him. Jim dedicated over four decades of his life to the SES, primarily with the Northshore Unit, where he was more than a volunteer—he was a pillar of strength, a mentor, a friend, and the heart of the unit. Known affectionately as the “grandfather of Northshore,” Jim brought not only exceptional skill and knowledge to every task but also a generosity of spirit that left a lasting imprint on those he encountered.
His calm leadership, his willingness to share experience, and his deep sense of service were felt across the organisation. Jim gave not just his time but his heart, always the first to step forward when needed, and always the first to guide and support others particularly newer members finding their feet in the SES.
In the words of one fellow volunteer, “Jim didn’t just teach us how to do the job—he taught us how to be better people while doing it.” A moving tribute by Michael Wood of Northshore SES described Jim so well, thank you, Michael. Read the Ode to Jim opposite. These words echo what so many of volunteers felt: that Jim’s presence brought reassurance, clarity, and a sense of purpose, even in the most trying situations.
Jim’s passing is an enormous loss to the SES community, but his legacy will live on through the countless volunteers he mentored, the values he championed, and the lives he helped protect.
The SES Volunteers Association honours his memory and his remarkable contribution to emergency services in Western Australia.
Rest in peace, Jim
Words and photos courtesy Northshore SES Unit
Ode to Jim
by Michael Wood, Northshore SES
Oh Jim, the finest boss I’ve known,
Tough yet kind, with heart full-grown.
Your Scottish charm, that steady grace,
Could soften blows, yet truths embrace.
“Get the plank out of your eye,” you’d say,
In that accent, calm as day,
Sage words hard to hear, yet true,
Guiding many, me, and countless too.
Ten years in LG beside you, hand in hand,
Learning much from your command.
When I first came to Vincent’s halls,
It was your counsel I’d recall.
‘Join the SES’ you’d firmly press,
And in your lead, I found success.
A call-out came? You were the gun-
The steady rock, the trusted one.
Team leader, friend, the guiding light,
A manager who did things right.
With whisky poured a Laphroaig neat,
Strong and peaty, bold, complete.
Respected far through every sphere,
From Scottish cop to leader here.
In rangers’ ranks, in safety’s name,
In SES, you earned your fame.
Beloved by Jan, by all his clan, by kin,
A life well-lived, through thick and thin.
A legend now, though passed from view,
Missed by all whose lives you knew.
But Jim, dear friend, you’re not forgot-
Your wisdom lingers, lesson-taught.
A toast, a dram, to you we raise,
And honour you through all our days.