Jim Jukes
JUKES, James Barcham (Jim) BE, MIEE, MIEAust (1904-1984)
Jim was born at Boulder, on August 1, 1904, the son of accountant James Vaughan Jukes and his wife, Catherine Jukes nee Powell. He grew up in Kalgoorlie/Boulder, attended Brown Hill Public School and completed his secondary education at Eastern Goldfields High School. He was awarded a General Exhibition for his Leaving Certificate results.
In 1923 he enrolled in engineering at the University of Western Australia. He was accommodated at St John’s University Hostel in St Georges Terrace (now called the Cloisters). He graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering in April 1928.
Jim married Beryl Winfred Battye, daughter of the historian Dr J S Battye, at St Georges Cathedral on January 1, 1930. They had two children David born 1932 and Diana born 1934.
Following graduation, Jim worked at the City of Perth becoming Chief Meter Engineer in the Electricity and Gas Department. He joined the Public Works Department on June 30, 1941, as Assistant Electrical Engineer.
He enlisted in December 1941, serving in the 22nd Army Field Company and rose to the rank of Lieutenant. He was the Western Australian Representative of the Commonwealth Army Inventions Directorate.
In 1944 he travelled to the Eastern States with J B Kirkwood to assess hydroelectric power.
In 1945 he was awarded a Gledden Fellowship and travelled to the United States to inspect regional power supplies. In July 1946 he was appointed as Engineer in Charge South West Power Scheme at the State Electricity Commission.
He became General Manager of the State Electricity Commission.
Jim joined the Institution of Engineers as a Student Member in 1923, a Junior Member in 1930, an Associate Member in 1936 and a Member in 1948. He was Chairman of the WA Division in 1950 having previously served as Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer and Vice President.
He was elected to Associate Membership of the Institution of Electrical Engineers, London in 1936 and became a full Member in 1951.
Jim died on January 13, 1984, aged 79. His wife had died ten years earlier.
References:
West Australian, 28.4.1923, p. 3.
West Australian, 21.4.1928, p. 20.
Daily News, 10.7.1946, p. 15.
