James George Maley OAM remembered for his contribution to Greater Geraldton area

A man who contributed heavily to a number of communities across the State including the Greater Geraldton area has died aged 86. James George Maley OAM, who was well known in several circles in Greenough, the Mid West and Perth, died on Saturday, September 14 in Perth. His wife, Marjorie, remembered their time together as being without stress. “We went travelling all the time, you had to note on the Atlas where we didn’t go,” she said. “He was very extroverted, he spoiled me rotten, and we had no animosity about anything.” Mr Maley was born on July 17, 1938, in Youanmi — a gold mining town south of Sandstone which no longer exists. He was the great-grandson of John and Elizabeth Maley, who orchestrated the construction of the homestead which would later become the Greenough Museum. It was transformed into the museum in 1966, with Greenough Museum curator Gary Martin saying Mr Maley was an important contributor. “He assisted financially to help maintain the exhibits and donated some of his family memorabilia, including his father’s war medals,” he said. “He was a patron of the museum and was granted life membership in 2023 for his contribution.” Mr Maley contributed in the community, having been involved in the fruit and vegetable industry. He was the chairman of the WA Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries and in 2004 was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his contributions. He also was heavily involved in Freemasonry for more than 40 years, having served as the grand master from 2002 to 2006. In Perth, he also served as the president of the Bayswater Croquet Club, and was a patron of the Masonic Caravan Club. Mr Maley had three children, as well as eight grandchildren.