Jim (James) Waites died 12/2/14. He went for a last swim in the sea at Coogee early on a Wednesday morning
Jim was mainly known as a theatre critic, writer and commentator. Recently, he kept a theatre blog, and made long interviews with theatre people for the National Library of Australia.
We first met in 1976 and he has, since then, been a most consistent friend. There were gaps when we didn't meet for years but then, when we caught up, it was just like we'd seen each other yesterday. Despite the fact that I wasn't much of a theatre-goer, there was always so much to talk about. He supported my painting and writing from early on, and introduced me to people who became patrons and friends. Jim was very inclusive, and had a wide-ranging group of acquaintances. His enthusiasm was a real boost to me and I imagine there are many others who would vouch in a similar way for his kindness and support.
I painted about six portraits of Jim over the years. The one shown above was done when he lived in a big dark-brick bungalow in Rosebery, in '98 or '99 I think. His face and appearance were quite changeable from month to month, especially when his hair grew and went curly. After he was bashed up on a train a few years back, I did several portraits of his battered face as as he lay on his bed recuperating. As a portrait subject he had no vanity.
One Christmas we all went on holidays to to the Caravan Park in Yamba, and Jim organised a treasure hunt, for the children. I rowed them over to an island in my small boat, across the estuary, where Jim had left clues that led to hidden objects.
Jim will be missed by his many friends.
