James Christopher Hughes
19 May 1945 – 9 July 1994
A true professional
killed in the line of duty...
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Today is the 10th
anniversary of the death of Jim Hughes, senior firefighter of
Birkenhead.
Jim was killed
instantly while operating a pump during a clean-up after a fatal
accident on the Northern Motorway on Saturday, July 9, 1994.
The father of
three was struck at full speed by a driver who ploughed through
flashing lights and emergency vehicles at the accident cordon.
Minutes earlier
the police had been warned of an erratic driver heading for the
scene near the Onewa Rd onramp.
Crew mates of
Jim had to fight back their anger and grief as they cut free the
driver and passenger of the car which ploughed into him.
Jim was born in
Liverpool on May 19, 1945, the eldest son of Jim and Josephine
Hughes. He joined the fire service on 28th May
1973.
As well as the
fire service,
Jim’s life was full to the brim with his involvement with other
organisations such as the Spirit of New Zealand, North Harbour Sea
Rescue, West Auckland Quick Draw Club and rodeo riding.
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A devoted firefighter and loyal union member tragically taken in
the line of duty.
Your sacrifice will be remembered by your colleagues throughout
New Zealand.
Your comradeship and presence will be
sadly missed by many, as will your unique personality.
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His interests did not end there:
He was an accomplished guitar player and singer, fluent in self
taught French, as well as an extremely talented landscape gardener.
One man’s rubbish is another
man’s (Jim’s) treasure. He thought nothing of wading waist deep in
mud to rescue fish from flood prevention ponds… or saving a cat from
being savaged by dogs.
Jim followed a simple philosophy
in life. He believed all things. He hoped all things. He endured
many things… and hoped to endure all things.
If one was to seek a word that
would explain Jim that word would be DIFFERENT.
Jim dared to be different and
that is why we will remember him. Jim left a son, Jason and two
daughters, Nicolle and Gemma.
He gave his life unselfishly on
duty on the 9th July 1994 in horrific circumstances.
His ashes were sprinkled on the
Waitemata Harbour from the Spirit of New Zealand.
For those close to Auckland,
Union members and others are invited tonight at 1800hrs at the “Slip
Inn”, Birkenhead Avenue. The crew of ’94 see this as a good time to
get together and have a beer and a chat. This is being organised by
Graham Gibb, Roy Warren, Jim Beale & Mike Roberts.
In him we see a part that
we would hope to be.
Mike McEnaney
President
