Funeral arrangements have been announced for the late CMDR Jim Firth, who died suddenly on 20 July 2011 while on a pleasure ship cruise.
His funeral was held on Tuesday, 2 August 2011, at St Catherine Laboure Catholic Church, Cnr President Avenue and Gymea Bay Rd, Gymea NSW.
Jim, who was born on 19 July 1940 at Arncliffe, NSW, was well known within the Fleet Air Arm. He joined the Navy as a midshipman in 1963 and initially underwent flying training with the RAAF at Point Cook. He then transferred to an observers course and followed a flying career in the Fleet Air Arm. His experience as an observer covered both the Wessex and Sea King era. Career highlights included postings as CO HS 817 and later air operations officer onboard HMAS Melbourne. For his performance in the latter role he was awarded an MBE in 1981.
CMDR Firth is fondly remembered within the FAA as a lively character who did much to lift the spirits of all those who served with him.
