The following messages of condolence and symbols
have been added in memory of James.

To Betth,
We were sorry to hear of the passing of your husband.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.

To Betth Alex and Cath.
It was nice to be part of Jim's funeral service and to listen to the family speak about his life and what he meant to you all.
We remember, when children, how excited we were when our West and Fitzgerald cousins would come from New South Wales to visit us in Bowen in North Queensland for holidays.
These holidays of course were centered around our Granny ( Maggie Fitzgerald).
Jim was a little older than us and we remember him as a practical but academic young man.
Jim worked hard to educate himself and became a very clever and well respected Metallurgist and a good family man. His parents were very proud of him.
He lived a very successful life.

Sending love to you Alex and family, with fond memories of a happy, friendly and welcoming man.
Xox

Dear Beth and Family, It was terrible news to hear of Jim's passing and my condolences to you all. You probably hardly remember me now, but I was the young cadet metallurgist that Jim trained at Queensland Electric Steel when he was in Brisbane in the late 1960's. Jim and I later met at Walkers Maryborough while he was consulting in the late 1980's. Although we lost contact, he was a great mentor who I will never forget.

I had the privilege to know and work with Jim back in his Vickers Ruwolt days and his subject matter knowledge of Steelmaking was first class.
Jim was a gentleman , an inspirational leader and will be deeply missed.

Dear Beth and Family
Deepest Sympathy to you all on the sad loss of Jim. My memory of Jim was helping me keep the Sunday school children safe at the beach and his kind heart to help others. He was a wonderful man and I am proud to have known him. May all the memories you have all made over the years stay in your heart. God bless you all.
Love Lyn

I will always remember your humble generosity and the time you made for your loved ones. Rest in peace Uncle Jim, Angharad

I hope you rest and dream big dreams of when you were on earth, and I hope they came true. Please rest in peace and I hope you had no harm in the following days. Amen, Eloise

You were always really kind to my Dad and I have to thank you for all you have done for our family. Thanks Ben

Jim was an admirable legend of the Foundry industry, who made a great contribution to all of his endeavours. Please accept my condolences from a fellow steel maker.

Dear Beth, Alex and Cathy,
May God Bless you all with losing Jim and may all
the memories of your life together as a family bring
you comfort.
Love To You All JUDY AND PHIL. xxx

Beth & family,
Leon told me of the sad news, words can't describe you & your family's loss. My condolences, thinking of you all in our prayers.
Barry, Robyn Fitzgerald & family

Dear Betth it was a sad day when we heard of your loss ,we remember the day in H/Bay when you visited and the little butcher bird entertained us as we recalled many memories of our families holidays and fun had by all, I cherish those times and take comfort in knowing how much Big Jim was loved and respected by all . Our thoughts and prayers are with you . Stef and Bernie

Dear Betth & Family,
Thinking of you today and embracing you all in our Thoughts & Prayers throughout this sad time in your life.
All our Love & Best Wishes,
Priest Ken & Sis Dian and the Annerley Community

Thinking of you and the family Beth and sending our heartfelt sympathy in the sad loss of your treasured husband and father. May God's grace comfort you and strengthen you today and in the future and may the happy memories you made together lighten your heart & always bring you joy 💕

Dear Beth, Alex and Cath,
I am so sorry that we will be unable to join you tomorrow. Jim and I were the closest of friends at school and in our youth.
We lost contact for a long while but happily renewed our friendship when you moved to Queensland.
Since then we have been in regular contact right up to this month.
Thank you for making us so welcome in your home.
Much love,
John & Wendy

53 years ago we met Jim and Betth in Perth. A new home for us all and we became close friends more like family. The fun we all had, the parties and dinners. Peggy Sue was belted out by us all at parties as the evening wore on led by Jim. Who could forget Jims Donald Duck impersonation that he did for the children.
We all left Perth but the relationship didnt change. Although we didnt see each other as often there were always phone calls and visits.
Our lives will go on but Jim we will miss you.
Betth, Alex and Cathy our thoughts and love are with you and all the extended family at this time.
Much love
Jenny and Karl

Jim was a major influence, friend and special friend in our school days in Parramatta and in subsequent meetings. He held firm to his values - but mostly to his friendships. Jim will be sadly missed by all who knew him. I wish his family all the best in these difficult times. A big hug. Vance 🙏

Dear Beth and family, may you all receive God's blessings through your Faith at this sad time, and into the future.

For my parents, their visit with you both in the 1980's, made a very strong impression such that I can still see their smiles and enthusiastic recollection of your hospitality. and recall that time as one of the highlights of their adventure.

Jim, I can't recall when we first met but I'll remember you a good friend and colleague during our time working for Vickers Ruwolt in Richmond and later as partners in Steelcastings in Port Melbourne. I and many others in our field considered you one of the best if not the best foundryman in the country, you were in the words of a NRL promotional song and sung by Tina Turner "Simply the best'.
Vale Jim West

You were in the words of a NRL promotional song sung by Tina Turner

I will always remember Jim’s generosity. He opened his house to me although he barely knew me. So supportive of his family, friends and those in need. My thoughts are with you, Betth, Alex and Cath.