A gentleman and quiet achiever, James Hume was a dedicated community member who was happiest when helping others.
Mr Hume served his country in World War II and continued to serve the local community throughout the rest of his life.
"That was his life," his wife, Margaret, said. "He was interested in people and got along with everybody."
Mr Hume invariably became an active member of the many committees he joined.
"His sons used to say every time he joined a club, he ended up as a president or secretary," Mrs Hume said.
Born in Mansfield in 1916, Mr Hume spent his early years moving around small rural communities.
Initially educated by his teacher-father Arthur, Mr Hume did not attend school until moving to Essendon as a 12-year-old.
After gaining his high school certificates, he worked at an engineering company for six years.
At the same time, he completed two years of militia training in the No. 2 Anti-aircraft Search Light Company at Drill Hall in Kooyang.
At the outbreak of World War II, Mr Hume had already been promoted to the rank of corporal and, in early 1940, he was drafted to full-time duty and stationed at Maribyrnong.
He was posted to New Guinea in 1942 with his searchlight company. But while relocating lights, a large generator bounced off a truck and fell across his foot.
He was hospitalised and returned to Australia late in 1942.
Mr Hume married Margaret on August 7, 1943. they had met at a dance before he left for New Guinea and kept in touch while he was away.
Given a clean bill of health six months later, Mr Hume was posted as an administration, pay and liaison sergeant in Irian Jaya and Manila until the end of the war.
After the war, Mr Hume and his family built a home at Glenroy.
Son Ian was born in 1955, followed by Ross in 1957.
Mr Hume worked in a range of positions before retiring in 1981, aged 65.
With his family grown up, he turned his talents to local affairs.
He joined Glenroy Cricket Club as a player, moving through the committee ranks to become president and fulfil a lifelong love of the game.
Representing the club, Mr Hume joined Glenroy Sport and Social Club, where he again warmed to the president's chair.
While in these two positions, Mr Hume also joined the committee of the Progress Association, with which he was involved for 15 years.
His work for the Glenroy Cricket and Sports Club continued for another 15 years.
Another opportunity for a presidency role arose when his wartime unit formed a club, with Mr Hume often leading his unit in the Anzac Day march.
Mr Hume was approached to join the Broadmeadows Historical Society in 1981.
Again he could not resist the president's chair, where he remained for 15 years.
As president, Mr Hume was instrumental in having the museum building built in Pearcedale Pde.
Vice-president John Ness said Mr Hume enjoyed researching about families in Broadmeadows, even at his own time and expense.
Mr Hume was honored for his work when named Broadmeadows' 1994 Citizen of the Year.
"He was thrilled to bits," Mrs Hume said.
Mr Hume is survived by Margaret and his two sons.
Taken from the Melbourne Herald 21st April 1999
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