Passing of a Legend – Chief Radio Instructor James (Jim) Frank Blackburn BEM NZ14340
It is with great regret that we advise that James (Jim) Frank Blackburn BEM crossed the bar this morning, 16 August 2026.
Jim had only recently celebrated his 100th birthday, marking a remarkable century of life and an enduring connection with the Royal New Zealand Navy and its communications community.
Jim was a foundation member and Patron of the RNZN Communicators Association, and his contribution to naval communications was recognised throughout his long and distinguished service.
He joined the RNZN on 23 October 1952. Due to his previous Royal Navy service, his seniority was adjusted to 20 September 1950. Jim retired from the RNZN on 29 November 1969, having served aboard:
MAORI, PEMBROKE, PHILOMEL, LACHLAN, TUI, CERBERUS, WAKEFIELD, IRIRANGI, ROYALIST and OTAGO.
In 1959, Jim was recommended and successfully completed the Wireless Instructors Course, reflecting his knowledge, ability and commitment to the communications branch.
His service was formally recognised when he was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours of 1968 for services to communications.
Beyond his official service record, Jim will be remembered with great affection by generations of naval communicators and members of the RNZN Communicators Association. As a foundation member and later Patron, he remained an important link to the Association’s beginnings and to the history and traditions of naval communications.
Reaching the age of 100 was a remarkable milestone, and it is fitting that we remember Jim not only for his exceptional longevity, but also for the decades of service, friendship and fellowship he gave to the Navy and to his fellow communicators.
Our sincere condolences are extended to Jim’s family, friends and all who knew and served with him.
Fair winds and following seas, Jim. You have crossed the bar.
Funeral arrangements will be advised in due course.
Recently acknowledged by King CHARLES III as a Centenarian, Jim Blackburn, Chief Petty Officer Radio Communications Instructor, BEM, Ld’H, is a man truly forged by the sea. History will record that from his teenage years, Jim dedicated his life to serving the Royal Navy and, later, the Royal New Zealand Navy, carrying out his responsibilities with unwavering dedication and loyalty. Jim was not a man who sought favour from man or beast, nor one who bent with the tides of convenience. Instead, he stood firmly by the values of discipline, honour and service, earning the respect of those who served alongside him and those who followed in his wake.
I had the good fortune to serve with Jim aboard HMNZS Otago in 1965/66 as his 2 i/c. On occasions, I found myself questioning the firmness of Jim’s approach, yet I never doubted his professionalism, fairness or dedication. Indeed, the extraordinary professional standards Jim set helped shape me to further my career both within and beyond the RNZN.
Looking back on his remarkable life, Jim leaves behind a legacy that will be difficult for most to equal. He will be remembered not simply for the many years he served, but for the example he set through his commitment, integrity and strength of character. In the twilight of his life, and with the professional secretarial assistance of Sandy Watson, Jim authored a book entitled: THE THINGS THAT I REMEMBER. It is a remarkable account of his life and is well worth reading by anyone wishing to understand the man behind the achievements – and the character behind the uniform.
Jim, it is now time to step aboard one of the Almighty’s golden chariots and begin your journey to your forever home. Past members of the Royal New Zealand Navy Communicators Association and the HMNZS Otago Association, together with their ceremonial guard and band, with the White Ensign flying close up, stand ready to honour your arrival.
So, EL SUPREMO, enjoy your week-long festivities and merriment with your shipmates, as in one week, under evangelical higher authority, you will assume your appointment as President of the RNZN Extra-Terrestrial Communicators Association, with your beloved Joan taking up her duties as Honorary Executive Secretary.
‘Ad perpetuam memoriam.’