In Loving Memory
Of
James Gerard Carew

Service
TUESDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2021. COMMENCING AT 11:00 A.M.

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James Gerard (Jim) Carew
20 April 1933 – 12 February 2021, aged 87
Dearly beloved husband of Anne,
beloved father of Kathleen, James,
Margaret, David, Peter and Ben.

Loving father in law of Mark, Christine, Simon, Mary
and Georgie; and Australian father of Hitomi.

Cherished grandfather of Angela and Nick,
Tom and Kylie, Madeleine and Peter, Erin and David,
Rory, Courtney and Luke, Brendan and Jess,
Jack (James) and Alex, Clare, Lily and Kellen,
Myles, Rose, Sebastian and Ira

Doting great-grandfather of Jasmine, Louis and Sophie.
Beloved brother of Carmel, Patricia, Ursula,
Shirley, Pauline, Mary, Claire and Alan;
and brother in law of Gerard, Mick, Mike,
Ed, Pat, Gerard, Ian, Michael, Mary

Only a thought away, loved and remembered every day

Family and friends are invited
to honour and farewell Jim with a
Requiem Mass for the repose of his soul at
St Michael’s Catholic Church
125 High Street Berwick on
Tuesday 23rd February 2021
commencing at 11:00 a.m.
A burial will follow at the
Berwick Cemetery,

Inglis Road, Berwick.
Wake at Akoonah Park,
Berwick – all welcome.

Should you wish to send your personal condolences
to the family, please leave a message on the
“Leave a condolence” link located on this page.

Condolences / Guest Book

  1. From Dr Wes Jame

    Thank you for letting me know of Jim’s passing. He was a gentleman and heroic of character. He was thoughtful and caring especially of family. It has been a pleasure to care and assist your parents and family and many of their friends for around 40 years. I was very pleased to receive a copy of his autobiography – from him. It is a privilege to be admitted to the family circle. His repair of the car radiator and his pony riding were very characteristic. I am saddened by his passing but very glad to have known Jim , a husband and father you can all be very proud of,
    my condolences to you , Ann and the rest of the family,
    Wes

    Margaret Louise Carew
    • It has been a privilege to know Jim as a caring friend and neighbour and to have been the beneficiary of his many practical skills and talents.
      I give thanks to God for his long and fruitful life.
      My sincere sympathy and love to Anne and all their family.
      Marjorie

      Marjorie Millard
  2. Dear Margaret,

    so sorry to hear the news about your lovely Dad. Of course it was to be expected, but still such a shock when it happens.

    I hope you and your family are ok. Sending big love.

    Xxxx
    Dubby
    (David Murphy)

    Margaret Louise Carew
  3. Hi Margaret. Really sad to hear that your beloved dad, Jim, passed away. Simon said you were with him so I am glad you were able to get to Melbourne in time to say goodbye.
    You were such a support to all of us when dad died. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
    Thinking of you and your family.
    Liz Murphy XXX

    Margaret Louise Carew
  4. From Brendan Millar
    I wanted to call to express my sympathy with the loss of your dear dad, but can imagine you all might be feeling overwhelmed at the moment.
    I totally understand if it is a while before you get back to me.
    Wishing aunty Anne and all your family our love and concern at. this time.
    Brendan, Janeane and Owen

    Kathleen
  5. Hi Kathleen, my sympathies to you. I hope that you can take some comfort in knowing that you honoured your father’s wishes and made sure that he was able to have family with him in his last days. Love Judy McGannon

    Judy McGannon
  6. So sorry to hear this news Margaret. That you were able to be with him is beautiful. Please pass on my love to your Mum and family and big love and strength to you my dear friend XX

    Liz Sweeney
  7. Hi Madge, a note to let you know that our little mob are all thinking of you and send our love at this sad and complicated time.
    May Jim’s spirit rest easy and all the close circle find some peace and comfort.
    Solidarity, sympathy and love to you and yours, Dave Sweeney

    David Sweeney
  8. Dear Kathleen,
    So sorry to hear the sad news about your Dad, though I know it wasn’t unexpected. My thoughts are with you and your family.
    Regards,

    Niki xx

    Niki
  9. From Hannah Farrelly
    Thinking of you all today and sending lots of love to the whole Carew clan, Jim was such a beautiful man, we will have a drink to him tonight ❤️ Hannah, James and Lenny xxx

    Hannah
  10. Condolences to the Carew family on the passing of Jim. You nursed him lovingly to the end and will no doubt give him a wonderful send off. He has left an enormous clan through which he lives on. Our thoughts are with you. Caroline and Anth

    Anthony Farrelly
  11. Dear Kathleen & cousins,
    Our heartfelt condolences to you, your dear Mum and all the family on the death of your darling Dad.
    We’re in awe of your selfless dedication to his care for all these long months.
    Wishing you comfort in the knowledge you were all there for him.
    Sending love and hugs.
    Mary, Clyde & family ❤❤

    Mary Allison (Millar)
  12. Dear Margaret,

    I’m sorry to hear of your sadness…. I hope you are managing ok… sending you love…. it’s so good that you were able to get down there swiftly. See you soon. Marina and Iggy xxx

    Marina Strocchi & Wayne Eager
  13. Dear Kathleen,

    Yes, wonderful that Mum had that lovely day with her brother, who she loved and respected so much. Mum told me at the weekend that she treasures the memory of that visit, which of course was their final meeting. She is so grateful that he was in good form and that’s how she can remember him.

    I hope you are all getting on OK in these rollercoaster days when you have so much to organize for the funeral and raw grief mixes with joyful memories of a very special man.

    He is very much on my mind. I found ‘Crossing the Bar’ online and see that it was the perfect comeback to that patronizing young nurse. I’ve shared the poem and your story with my family, Denis Cusack and several close friends: everyone is deeply moved by his calm acceptance of death and lucid mind as he prepares to make the crossing. Mum said that this story will go down in the family lore.

    Thinking of you and your family, with much love,
    Andrea

    Andrea Dingemans
  14. Hi Margaret
    I’ve been thinking of you since hearing from Ange that your dad passed away. I’m so sorry to hear this. Sending you much love.
    Marg xx

    Marg Bowman
  15. Hi Margaret
    So sorry I missed your call and your text. Very sorry about your dad. It’s just such a big thing to lose a parent no matter how old or unwell they are. Extremely glad you were there with him and your mum. All my love and hugs xxxx❤️❤️

    Georgie Stewart
  16. Dear Anne
    So sorry for your loss.
    Jim will always be remembered for his devoted and committed service to Berwick St Vincent de Paul Society.
    May his soul rest peacefully in the arms of Jesus.
    Sending you and your family my heartfelt condolences.
    Warm regards
    Rajeeta

    RAJEETA D'ROSARIO
  17. Jim was a very practical man covering many disciplines, building, vehicle repairs, home maintenance and veranda covering.
    Jim was an all-round good guy, if you just wanted a chat.
    Jim was a Foundation member of Akoonah Park Mens Shed, member number 10 joining in 19/07/2012. As part of the Foundation member group Jim was intimately involved in setting up the
    “guidelines of The Shed”.
    As a trained Schoolteacher Jim was able to manage other shed members in the fitting out the first shed extension, also was involved in work on the second or “Social Room” all of which are well used and a significant asset to all 160 members.
    Thursday was a Members special day were some 70-90 members attended for activity updates. Jim took this opportunity to many times deliver his poetry skills. Some poetry was well known but others he wrote, and the delivery was always inspiring.
    Race days at the Shed was always an attraction to Jim & Anne where they were able to mix with the many mutual friends.
    Jim often made comment that his time at Akoonah Park Mens Shed was like a Family, many Mates were just like Brothers to Him.
    Jim
    Rest in Peace Dear Mate & Brother

    Ernie Bird
  18. Dear Anne, Kathleen, Mark and your beautiful family, we send you all our love and thoughts after the loss of your precious Jim. He was such a lovely, positive and kind man. We will miss him. We will be there on Tuesday, love to you all, Joe , Kate and family. xx

    Kate and joe pierce
  19. Dear Anne, Ben, Pete, David and family,

    I’m very sorry to hear of your loss. Too many beautiful memories spent at the Carew household from grade 1 through year 12 and beyond, and Jim was always there, the rock of his family. He was always glad to see you and took time to talk. Jim would tell you more in the silence that followed his words – with that warm stare and eternal sparkle in his eyes. He made you think. There was something truly special about him.

    You felt welcomed and reassured around Jim Carew. He gave everyone a fair go and listened to what everyone had to say. And if you had nothing to say, he’d challenge you to give your opinion. He was always encouraging of others and inspired you to think for yourself and to have a go at doing things for yourself, with a little bit of know-how and resourcefulness.

    His love of his family, camping at the Prom and his passion for fixing things and inventing things are some of my fondest memories. With Jim there were never problems, only solutions. I’d love watching him show us one of his latest inventions. Turning an old washing machine into something that created artwork at our school fete is just one, plus many more things. He even had a solution for keeping children entertained one summer holiday at Wilson’s Promontory, and it didn’t involve electronic devices or batteries, just simple old-fashioned novelty. That year the Prom was full of free-range chooks, well the sounds of chooks anyway. It gave us all a great laugh.

    Your dad brought a smile to everyone who knew him and he will be missed, but always remembered.

    With sincere condolences.

    Paul (Ollie) Oliver.

    Paul
  20. We are all thinking of you Kathleen and family on the passing of your dad. Best wishes to everyone and have comfort in knowing that your extended work family are all here for you if needed. XO

    Felicity townsend
  21. Farewell to Uncle Jay.
    You were a gentleman.
    A loving, caring & devoted husband, father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, brother, brother in law and Uncle.
    My deepest condolences to Anne and all the family.
    X Frances

    Frances McGannon
  22. Hi Marg. I’m sorry to hear about your Dad passing away. I’m sure you being there would have been a comfort to him and your mum. Take care and lots of love. Cath

    Cath Vero
  23. Uncle Jay was my favourite and someone I always looked up to as a child. I remember I was mortified when after he let me steer the tractor at Eurack, and swore me to secrecy, I did tell grandma because I was so proud of myself, and she had some stern words for him. That was a lesson I’ve never forgotten.

    My tears are falling as I write this.

    My heartfelt condolences to all the family.

    steer

    Peter Cusack
    • Dear Peter
      Thanks so much for your beautiful message. I’m sitting here with mum and Kathleen and we laughed and cried when we read your story about dad. I hope you and your family are all ok much love Margaret x

      Margaret Louise Carew
  24. Dear Margaret and family, our deepest sympathies for you on the passing of Jim. A special man filled with stories and a love of life. I’ll join you on Tuesday to celebrate his life. Anna, Joe, Eli & Ari

    Anna Murphy
  25. Dear Aunty Anne, Kathleen, James, Margaret, David, Peter, Ben and family, loving memories of Uncle Jay will stay forever in our hearts. Catherine and Tony Riedl and Millar family

    Catherine
  26. Dear Anne and family

    I read the notice in The Age of Jim’s death, his call to be with God. So I thought I would send a note, even though you may not remember us!

    You will miss him after those many years of blessing, but I see you have a splendid family to support you and one another. We lived next door to you – or over the fence! – in Peel Street, until about 30 years ago and I remember our discussions about the blackberries growing over the fence were always helpful! I also remember the Good Friday processions through Berwick when we walked and worshipped together. Our David I know, and perhaps Bridget too, enjoyed playing over at your place I remember. So I cast my mind back and am thankful.

    Geoffrey died in 2017 and I much agree with you comment about ‘Only a thought away’. So I send a poem/prayer which I have loved for a long time, a way of saying the same thing.

    David and family live in Edithvale now and Bridget and hers in Maldon, not far away from me. David waited for the right girl! Until age 41. So his children are 4 and 8 whereas Bridget’s are grown up. They both have been very fortunate in their life partners.

    God bless you all and I know all your memories will soon be happy ones.
    Our best wishes
    Grace and peace to you all

    Julia Nutting

    COME NOW

    Come now
    live in us.
    Let us stay in You,
    since if we be all in You,
    we cannot be far from one another,
    though some may be in heaven
    and some upon earth.

    ​​​Adapted from a passage in David Elginbrod by George Macdonald

    Julia Nutting
  27. Hi Margaret, my thoughts are with you… Simon called about your dad. Hope all the family is okay together. Call if you need a chat. I’m sure you are so busy organising everything. Take care, Jane

    Jane Marshall
  28. Dear Anne, Kathleen, James, Margaret, David, Peter and Ben,
    Thinking of you and your extended families. I have many find memories of the time spent with Jim and Carew family. Also the direction Jim had shown me in life. Condolences from Paul and Kim.

    Paul Rosevear
  29. So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. What a great patriarch of an incredible brood.
    Im so glad I was able to catch up after so many years. It was always such a welcoming home.
    I’ll never forget hearing “is that Annette Evans?!” after so long. It made me laugh. Nothing had changed.
    Sending much love to Margaret and the family. Xx

    Annette Evans
  30. Deepest sympathy Anne and family on the death of Jim. Although I was only a short time teaching at St Michael’s fifty years ago, I fondly remember Jim and the support he gave to the school community. Keeping you in thought and prayer.
    Judith Bellesini pbvm

    Judith Bellesini
  31. Dearest Marg,
    My thoughts are with you during this time of sorrow following the loss of your dad. I would like to wish you comfort during this difficult time, and my deepest sympathies go to you and your family.
    Jenny explained to me that you had managed to quickly get down there in time to be with him. I am sure it meant a lot for him to see you. If there is something I can do to help you during this time, please do not hesitate to call me.
    Wishing you peace,
    Kind Regards
    Mariann Reu

    Mariann Reu (Alice Springs)
  32. Dear Anne and family I am so sorry for your great loss. Jim was a great person and will be sadly missed.May he rest in the peace of Christ.It was a blessing to have known him and you always In my prayers. Bill Murphy.

    Bill Murphy
  33. Sorry to hear of your loss.
    Jim was a great man & will be fondly remembered by all.
    Much love to Anne & all the family.through this difficult time xoxo

    Tsaikos Family
  34. Anne, it has been a pleasure knowing Jim, sadly for a few short years while helping out in the garden and enjoying a quiet chat and sharing similar experiences. A quietly clever man.
    Jim is at peace now after avery brave and stoic battle.

    My deepest sympathies Anne and to your family from Rob Clapton

    Robert Clapton
  35. Condolences, love and strength to Aunty Ann and all the Carew family. Uncle Jim is always going to hold a special place in my memory as a wonderful and warm man . Lots of love uncle Jim

    Brent McGannon
  36. Dear Kathleen, Mark, Ange, Nick, Jasmine, Louis, Madeleine, Pete, Sophie, Courtney, and Luke,
    Sending you all our love on the passing of your dearest Dad and Granddad, he left this world as he lived it so loved and treasured by his clan and well respected and fondly admired by the rest of us that enjoyed his wisdoms over the years. Love to Anne and the wonderful Carew Family. Take Care, Jules and Bren xx

    Julie and Brendan Farrelly
  37. Dear Anne and family,
    Our heartfelt condolences to you all. Jim was such a special person, always on the go and always ready and willing to lend a hand, help out, or take part in whatever was going on in St Michael’s Parish.
    What a wonderful legacy he has left behind! I was honoured to be a teacher to Ben, Tom, Erin and Rory.
    Brenda and I would always enjoy saying G’day after mass, and hearing about what Jim was up to, and all the family news.
    We will be with you in spirit on Tuesday, as a prior commitment prevents us from attending Jim’s funeral.
    We are certain he is enjoying his heavenly reward after running a good race. He is sure to have been met by Jesus saying to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
    Sending our love to you all,
    Michael and Brenda Russo

    Michael Russo
  38. Our commiserations to Aunty Anne and all the family. We loved Uncle Jim and will miss him very much. From Rob, Fran and family.

    Rob and Fran Millar
  39. Dear Aunty Anne, Kathleen, James, Marg, David, Peter, Ben and respective families,
    My sincerest condolences on the loss of your dad. What a great bloke, uncle, brother, dad, granddad and great granddad. He always took an interest in everyone and everything going on, but had that special quality that made you feel like you were the only one he was listening to – even though there would often be many conversations going on at once! He had a marvellous zest for life, and everything he did was turned into an adventure. His stories were always thrilling, with the most mundane turned skilfully into a great tale that kept you on the edge of your seat – even if you had heard it before!
    I know you will always miss him, as we all will. I am saluting the man who was still doing handstands well in his 70’s, just because he could!
    Thinking of you all and sending love and best wishes for tomorrow and the days, weeks and years to come.

    Jenny Carew
  40. I’ll miss the conversations with Jim. 50 years of working with him on different projects and learning from him. As I look around the farm here in almost every direction I am reminded of him by his handiwork.

    Peter Robinson
  41. Dear Anne and Family..Thinking of you all as you Farewell Jim..A Loved Friend Of The Berwick Community and St Michaels Parish..RIP.

    Pat anf Frank Caulfield..Andrew Stephen and Matthew
  42. Dear Aunty Anne, Kathleen, James, Margaret, David, Peter, Ben, your partners, grandchildren and great grandchildren,

    You are all in our thoughts and prayers. I know how painful it is to have the axis upon which you rotate shift from its centre and never quite return to its normal rhythm again. However, you should all be immensely proud of your family, of each other, of the last few months and especially of the spiritual, dignified celebration that you had today. Like many who spoke, my memories are always filled with images of Uncle Jim reciting poetry at parties and his gigantic smile. I have thought a lot today about our blessed childhood. The one that seemed so normal, so inclusive and overflowing with love. Of parties with people singing, performing skits, playing instruments and indeed reciting poetry, both classical or written for the occasion. It occurred to me that I have never been to anyone else’s home where such occasions happened. Grandma and grandad must be equally proud of what has followed them. I hope you find strength in each other and be reassured that the extended family are here for you all.
    When Dad died someone sent me the following poem, and whilst most of you would have read it before I think it is a worthy reminder:-
    Speak of me as you have always done.
    Remember the good times, laughter, and fun.

    Share the happy memories we’ve made.
    Do not let them wither or fade.

    I’ll be with you in the summer’s sun
    And when the winter’s chill has come.

    I’ll be the voice that whispers in the breeze.
    I’m peaceful now, put your mind at ease.

    I’ve rested my eyes and gone to sleep,
    But memories we’ve shared are yours to keep.

    Sometimes our final days may be a test,
    But remember me when I was at my best.

    Although things may not be the same,
    Don’t be afraid to use my name.

    Let your sorrow last for just a while.
    Comfort each other and try to smile.

    I’ve lived a life filled with joy and fun.
    Live on now, make me proud of what you’ll become.

    Love Loreta, Laurie, Sean, Conor, Eloise and Finn

    Loreta Murphy
  43. Beautiful service. So sorry I couldn’t be there today. Jim was a grand man and a great story teller. Love to you all, Bernadette

    Bernadette McKenna
  44. For when the One Great Scorer comes to mark against your name,
    He writes — not that you won or lost — but that you played the game!

    -: Grantland Rice

    A great innings, full of character . . . well played, Jim! In the words of C J Dennis: “I dips me lid!”

    Frank Caulfield
  45. Dear Aunty Anne and family,

    I was with you all in spirit in the early hours of this morning in Amsterdam. The live stream kept on freezing up, so I missed a lot, but I will watch the recording when it’s posted.

    What I did hear and see was very moving: Kathleen’s telling of the ‘Crossing the Bar’ story; the beautiful, lilting singing of that poem; tributes from a friend and words from the Men’s shed; and quite a lot of Peter’s anecdotes, culminating in the perfect words “Dad was our lever and our fulcrum”.

    I stayed with you for the graveside service, and could follow this very well. It was a very peaceful farewell and had great dignity, like my Uncle Jim.

    I loved him and admired him very much. He also won a special place in Frits’ heart, from the first meeting in Amsterdam.

    We wish you all much strength in the coming days, weeks and months.

    Love,
    Andrea

    Andrea Dingemans
  46. Our condolences to Anne, Kathleen, Mark. Ange, Madeliene and Courtney on the passing of your beloved Jim; husband. father and grandfather.

    Jim was a true gentleman and someone who could turn his hand to anything. We got to know Jim when he renovated our bathroom. He was always up for a chat, interested in people and had a great sense of humour.

    He will be greatly missed. Love and best wishes,

    Sharon Boag and Mike Ebdon.

    Sharon Boag