Very Bad News - Passing of Jim McKinley

bobeager · Post by **bobeager** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 8:56 am

Jim McKinley, the "father" of the Fly Shoot has passed away last night as the result of a fire at his home in Canberra. This is indeed very terrible news. Little is known of the circumstances at this time and his home is now a crime scene. What a loss, the shooting sports has lost one of it's Greatest. We are diminished.

a.JR · Post by **a.JR** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 9:42 am

Hi all , Thats devastating news , Jim was not only the Father of the FLY but one of the nicest blokes i have ever met involved in this type of shooting.. Long Distance shooters everywhere will miss him .. I will crack out the good scotch and drink to his memory's tonight for sure .. JR.. Jeff Rogers

bobeager wrote:Jim McKinley, the "father" of the Fly Shoot has passed away last night as the result of a fire at his home in Canberra. This is indeed very terrible news. Little is known of the circumstances at this time and his home is now a crime scene. What a loss, the shooting sports has lost one of it's Greatest. We are diminished.

Mick · Post by **Mick** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 11:07 am

Ah Shit.
Jim was a great guy. He will definitely be missed by a lot of people. Shooting and the shooting community was a huge part of his life, and he had done a ton of great things for the sport.
RIP mate.

adamjp · Post by **adamjp** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 1:23 pm

This is bad, bad, news. I've known Jim since I was just a teenager.

My thoughts are with his family at this terrible time.

jimbo · Post by **jimbo** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 5:01 pm

What a blow for the shooting sports in the ACT.
I have known Jim for over 30 years - he used to have tea at my place when he came to Adelaide on business.
He will be sorely missed by all.

My sincere sympathy and condolances to his family.

JasonF · Post by **JasonF** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 5:43 pm

I drove past Jim's house this morning and was devastated to hear that he was inside during the fire. Majura range won't be the same without Jim.

Rest in Peace.

Ackley Improved · Post by **Ackley Improved** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 6:23 pm

This is very sad news. Jim was a great bloke and will be missed. He ran those competitions like clockwork, and I am glad I was able to meet him on many occassions.

He will be sadly missed, and my sympathy and condolances.

adamjp · Post by **adamjp** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 7:19 pm

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-new ... 2cbor.html

What little there is in the media sounds fuckin' horrible. I'll be watching the paper over the next few days to see what arrangements will be made.

Wiz · Post by **Wiz** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 8:03 pm

Terrible news indeed

Rinso · Post by **Rinso** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 8:19 pm

A great loss for both the shooting sports as well as all those who's lives Jim touched (a long list)

RIP

malcolm · Post by **malcolm** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 8:36 pm

Oh my God------------ what a terrible, tragic loss. Jim will missed by many.
Malcolm

ratshot · Post by **ratshot** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 9:12 pm

Big Man
Big Rifle
Big Loss
Please keep us informed.

chappo555 · Post by **chappo555** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 9:31 pm

Very sad news and a terrible way to go.
Thanks for your service to our country Jim. I only met you a few times but always enjoyed the chat.
RIP mate.

Curtley78 · Post by **Curtley78** » Tue Jan 08, 2013 6:05 am

This is very sad and tragic news.

I like many was quiet fond of Jim and would often get into conversation with him on calibers, politics and of course Ned Kelly and we'd share a joke and a laugh.

My wife was also very fond of Jim.

One of my fond memories was at one particular Fly shoot in Canberra whilst in line to sign onto the range when unexpectedly my phone rang to the tune of Garry Owen. Jim knew the tune and the Regiment and then insisted to me in a very serious tone that "they were all Catholics". Over the years and since that day I've often remembered that particular day and giggled to myself about it.

One of the other great stories was when Jim re-engineered the 338 Lapua.

My condolences to Jim's family and may he rest in peace. Canberra will not be the same. Certainly the next fly shoot will need be dedicated to him.

I'll belt out a rebel tune for him tonight and crack a bottle of Jameson.

daisy · Post by **daisy** » Tue Jan 08, 2013 8:47 am

Sad news. I saw Jim often when attending silhouette shoots. He was a big part of the Majura Range and will be missed.

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