James CHAMLEY Obituary

My most sincere condolences to Anne and Jim's family.
Jim - a most remarkable man with honesty and integrity, courteous and kind.
So hard working: I remember he called me about 9 pm one evening as he was so busy during the day. I was astonished.
Jim was a true gentleman in every sense of the word, a most wonderful human being.
It is my privilege to have known him and I shall miss him very much.

I had the pleasure of working with Jim as a receptionist and then legal secretary at Thorne, Thorne, White & Clark Walker. I remember fondly the hours of filing myself and colleagues would do in his office and then sitting patiently waiting for our next instructions. The beautiful flowers in reception brought from Jim's garden as Glenda mentioned earlier. Some great memories of a great man and some wonderful times working in his office. Loyalty is my first thought when I think of Mr Chamley. A good man. Sorry for your loss Ann and James.

Dear Anne and family,
Kua hinga te totara o Te Waonui a Tane.
A totara has fallen in the forest of Tane.
Thinking fondly of the long friendship between your parents and mine. They had deep respect for each other.
You will all miss his presence greatly, but I know you will rejoice at his going to a place he long knew and understood according to his profound and abiding faith.
Our sincere and heartfelt condolences.

Dear Ann and Family,

I am very saddened to hear of Jim´s passing. Jim was a great man and a walking encyclopedia about my family, the Caughey family. I loved hearing Jim talk about his experiences with my Grandfather back in the 1940s, 50s and more. Rest easy Jim and thank you for all you did for many.

Regards
Simon Dunlop

Jim was a part of the background all of my life as part of the Congregational Union Of NZ . A contemporary of my parents Marcelle and Jim Chambers and always a fount of knowledge on all things Congregational . It has been a pleasure knowing Jim and a big thanks to the family for sharing this amazing person with us . regards Alan Chambers

My deepest condolences to the family. Jim faithfully served on the NZ Sunday School Union giving his guidance and leadership to the Union and Peter Snell Youth Camp.
May God comfort the family as you mourn his loss.

A wonderful man who gave great service to our family over many years. We were very fortunate to have had his wise counsel. RIP Jim

Dear Old Jim

In the mid 80´s I first met James Clifford Chamley at my parent´s home in Gilgit Rd.
Having had a long association with the Tannery, he had been invited by my father Lloyd Astley to take over the management of the family affairs.
I clearly recall the day, a Saturday afternoon with my parents Lloyd and Audrey and brother Graham.
After Jim had left I remember a sense of calm and reassurance that the "family" was in good hands.
We sat together for a while, in silence, then my Dad, 25 years Jim´s senior said:

"Dear Old Jim".
And thus he became. Our beacon in life´s vicissitudes, and happy celebrations alike.
"Dear Old Jim"
Encounters at Blackstone Chambers and later in Epsom were always at the very least a pleasure, sometimes associated with enormous relief but always included time for anecdotes and reflection prefaced with "It reminds when...."
Philosophical exchanges were uplifting.
The razor mind and recall of detail all but frightening!
Appointment diaries and timetables were never allowed to impinge!
May I indulge with just one of a huge number of especial memories?
The occasion when he greeted me with:
"Now then Mr Timothy Malcolm Astley!"
"Repeat after me!"
"I promise I will always present the document to Mr Chamley before signing!"
I had made a mess. A property transaction involving a business man whose principles were "wanting".
"Invite him to a meeting" said Jim
"On a Saturday"
"Let´s say 2-30 pm?"
He paused.
"No, make that 3-30 pm. Yes. 3-30 will be better"
The art of theatre is in the timing and what ensued was magnificent theatre with perfect timing!
The "Other party" arrived with three counsel in tow.
There was much exchanged replete with: "With the greatest respect...."
It got under his skin!
After 2 hours Jim enquired whether it would be appropriate for him and his client to allow the other party some time to themselves.
As we walked down the corridor to the receptionist´s room with the sliding frosted window and without addressing me directly, he said:
"We´ve got him!"
We returned, the other party, clearly angry, leapt to his feet and tersely announced:
"I´m sick of this!" and turning to his legal team, in turn seen to be wanting!
"You lot sort it out!"
"He took his leave" as Jim would have it.

A tiny peek at what was for most of my adult life an extraordinary relationship.
With a man of singular virtue, the very best of the human condition......

I miss him dearly.

"Dear Old Jim"

Written by Tim Astley. January 30th 2025

Dear Ann & Family I am very sorry to hear of Jims passing my intentions were to visit Jim but last year my health deteriated and I now unable to drive. Jim has been our family solicitor for nearly 65 years and served us well. Judy my partner has a IPad so we hope to be able to watch the service. My sincere condolences to your family Jim MacPherson..

I have very happy memories of working for Mr Chamley at Thorne Thorne for many years. He was always extremely hard working but very courteous. A big joy were the flowers he bought into the office every Monday morning along with mountains of work. My sincere condolences Anne and James and family. He will be sadly missed. Glenda