Vale Jim Wroe (14/09/40 - 17/09/15)
The Maryborough hockey community is mourning the loss of a favourite son. Jim Wroe was one of nature’s true gentleman. He was a life member not only of the Maryborough & District Hockey Association, but also of his beloved Wallaroos.
A life member in every respect of the word, Jim was still active with the MDHA and Wallaroos. Until only a few weeks ago, you would find Jim working behind the bar at the hockey fields on a Saturday (although he was not fond of the till or the dreaded EFTPOS), or he’d be giving Howie, our groundsman, some valuable advice from his vantage point in Neptune Street. (Jim was also a member of the MDHA Grounds Committee for more than 3 decades until 2013.)
Jim’s involvement in hockey started as a junior with Granville Hockey Club (yes you heard it first right here! In fact he often joked that he was still waiting for the invitation to Granville’s 75th Dinner). He then moved on to play for Colts until he left town for work. Upon his return he joined the mighty Wallaroos, where he stayed for the rest of his hockey life.
With the Wallaroos club he not only played, but coached many teams over the years. One very memorable year with the club’s Division 1 Women some 35 years ago, has become legend, for reasons only that team can reveal.
Jim along with his wife Margaret were the driving force behind the acquisition of the Wallaroos block of land in Woodstock Street and the construction of the clubhouse. Jim as groundsman took great pride in looking after this asset.
For the MDHA, Jim worked tirelessly, being involved very early on with the move to Woodstock Street from Doon Villa in the late 1960’s. He worked on many MDHA committees and was heavily involved in all things “grounds”, from our pristine grass fields to our very first turf field.
On the hockey side of things, Jim was the first coach of Maryborough’s Ladies Vets Team in 1986, and was honoured at the Anniversary Masters Championships in 2014, hosted by Maryborough. Jim continued his involvement with the Maryborough Women’s Vets team for over 10 years, coaching them to a number of Queensland Titles.
The Maryborough Hockey community extends its sincerest sympathy to Margaret, Tracey and Justin, and Jim’s beloved grandsons, Jake, Alex and Kallum. We hope you can take solace in the fact that Jim was so well liked and respected, and such a valuable member of our community.
Rest in Peace Jim – you will be missed
