James (Jim) Hanrahan (SPC 1952-56)

We are saddened to hear of the passing of retired Magistrate James (Jim) Hanrahan (SPC 1952-56) who passed away on 17 October 2024 at Warrnambool, aged 85 years, after a short illness.

Jim was the cherished husband of Sandra (dec) and Pauline, and loved father of Damien, Julianne (dec) and Philip, respected stepfather of Catherine, Mark, John Hussey and Roma Britnell and adored grandfather of 12.

A Funeral Mass was held at St Jospeh’s Catholic Church in Warrnambool on 26 October.

Jim was remembered as a former district magistrate, long-serving Warrnambool Rotarian, bird watcher and dedicated family man, who was considered a man of compassion and humility who was respected by all.

He also served his community with his involvement in the Catholic Church and as a volunteer with St Vincent de Paul.

Tributes remembered Jim as having “left a lasting footprint for family, friends and those who knew him, past, present and future” and as “an honourable man who remained true to his very high standards, ethics and faith. Whether a police officer, lawyer or a defendant Jim treated all equally arising at final a decision after much thought knowing how important it was”.

He was also remembered as an “absolute gentleman” during his time as a Magistrate at Portland and “a most respected man by all in the police station at that time”.

Jim was a boarder at SPC from Bungaree. He was a Prefect in 1956, after completing his matriculation in 1955 and again in 1956, which was common practice during these years.

After leaving SPC, the 1957 College Annual reported Jim was working with fellow Old Boys, Frank Moloney, Des Martin and Tony Rintoul in the Law Courts.

Jim went on to settle in Warrnambool and became a familiar face on the bench of the then five south-west magistrates courts, which he served for two decades from 1980.

He joined the Warrnambool Rotary Club in 1984, volunteering for 40 years, working the gate at the city’s showgrounds and Warrnambool Football Club to raise money for the club.

Jim was remembered for embodying the Rotarian motto “service above self” in both his volunteer efforts and as a magistrate.

He had a great rapport with solicitors and was a patient and caring leader who understood his community.

Jim was a great supporter of SPC, secretary of the SPC Old Collegians’ Association (OCA) between 1968-72 and a regular attendee at OCA Warrnambool regional dinners.

A wonderful tribute to Jim was published in the Warrnambool Standard newspaper, which can be read by clicking here