The sudden loss of his mother Maxine James has seen Senator Kim Carr reflect on her life and times, in particular, her connection with the Singleton community.
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Mrs James died on July 31 aged 79 years and her funeral service will be held at The Chapel of St Patrick's, Nulkaba, Wine Country Drive, on Friday, August 9 commencing at 12pm.
Maxine was the daughter of Ellen May Jones (nee McTaggart) and Len Jones and she was born in Warwick, Queensland.
Mrs James was a school teacher who spent time in New Zealand before moving to Singleton five years ago to be closer to her cousins who are members of the McTaggart family.
The original McTaggart - Charles arrived in the district in 1817 and lived at Howes Valley where he ran the mail service between Windsor and Broke/Cessnock.
There are now many descendants of the McTaggart family in the Singleton district.
Sen. Carr described his mother as 'violently' independent and someone that loved teaching.
My mother very much enjoyed her life in Singleton joining various organisations and spending time with her family, said Sen. Carr.
"She volunteered locally as a teacher at the library and was keen on local history," he said.
"The family is shocked by her sudden passing as she was a very vibrant person."
"Her service on Friday will be a true celebration of her wonderful life."
Sen.Carr, who represents the state of Victoria for the Labor Party, said his mother had instilled in him a keen interest in service and it was one of the reasons he entered politics.
Like her he was also a trained teacher before becoming a political staffer.
Given his long service in the Senate he is now the 'father of the' Senate being the longest serving member.
"I have seen 170 senators pass through this chamber since I arrived in 1993 following the March election of that year," he said.
"And my mother was very supportive of my political career and the Labor Party and its ethos."
During the Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard governments Sen. Carr was Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. He is considered a leader of the Labor left faction in Victoria.
Mrs James had four children - three from her first marriage Kim, Wayne (dec) and Paul Carr and a daughter Jenelle James.
She was a Nana to Laura, Sarah, Ruth, Seamus. Alicia, Isabel and Hamish and a great grandmother to William and Rafferty Slater.
Louise Nichols
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
