JAMES PHILIP HEWLETT V (1911-2008)

Funeral Service: 9thJune, 2008
Perth, Western Australia

On this sad day we are all here to honour 'my' Uncle Jim: James Philip Hewlett has been part of my life for seven precious years! Thanks to an amazing set of co-incidences.

Some of you may not know that Jim's father, James Philip Hewlett 4th was my Grandfather. And, prior to meeting me, Jim had no idea whatsoever of his father's past life and family in Melbourne - nor did my mother have any idea that she had a half-brother in Western Australia.

We are all aware that Jim was a very special human being: a good man, caring, loyal, supportive and strong . . . very strong.

A Reflection on His Strength

Today, for the purpose of giving you my perspective of Jim's background, I like to ponder upon three factors that I believe contributed to that strength. And, at the same time give you an overview of a part of his life that you may not already know about.

Early Hardship and Identity

Imagine what it must have been like for Jim's mother when his father died in 1919 in Wagin. She had two sons to rear and money was scarce. She had no family support whatsoever as she was estranged from her family of origin in New South Wales, and had assumed the name and identity of the first wife of Jim's father, Helen Laura Foley (my grandmother).

To complicate matters Jim's father and mother, (who was Lavinia Marvell), assumed the surname 'Hoyle' when setting up their home in Wagin. It was only after the death of his father, when he was just 8 years old, that Jim was informed that he was to be known as Jim Hewlett, not Jim Hoyle.

That Jim overcame the stigma of this unusual situation in a small country town, in the early 1920s, in Western Australia reveals his strength of character and is a great credit to him, and to his mother.

There is no doubt that Jim had a healthy self-esteem and was a well-respected member of that community. This was evident when my husband and I visited Wagin with him in 2001.

What a great achievement that was!

Ancestry and Heritage

Jim's ancestry is illustrious and exceptionally well documented. He is descended from the French Noble families of Roussel, and Beuzeville, of Normandy. His 6th G. grandfather, Laurens Roussel, was a surgeon in the Court of Louis 14th, as was one of his sons.

Both of these eminent families were Huguenots (that is, Protestants following the religious persuasion of Martin Luther and John Calvin). The Huguenots suffered horrendous persecution from the Catholic Church because of their religious beliefs. Tens of thousands were killed and many more tortured. It is estimated that 200,000 took refuge in foreign places.

Jim's direct ancestors fled France in the 1680s escaping to the safety of London, England.

In 1809 a daughter of these two families, Esther Beuzeville, married, in Henley-on-Thames, England, the first James Philip Hewlett, (Jim's 2nd g. grandfather) who was of English Puritan descent. (He was born in 1780 and died in 1820).

The first James Philip had a beautiful singing voice and was educated in the Choir School of New College, Oxford and later became a Chaplain to that College and to Magdalen College.

His wife, Esther, was a well-known author and published, in England and America, more than 100 books during her lifetime.

With the passing of Jim this 'James Philip Hewlett' line ceases.

The characteristics of the Huguenots and Puritans include standing up for what one believes in, goodness, self-sacrifice, care and support of others, loyalty, integrity, and hard work.

It is interesting that Jim's life was consistent with these values even though he knew very little about his forebears.

His Character and Way of Life

Lastly, we shall briefly consider Jim's own nature -

Jim was a very intelligent man and that intelligence served him well. We all aware of his fierce determination, his ability to get a job done efficiently, his good humour, and his extraordinary willingness to care for and support, his family, his friends, and his mates.

He had a big heart and a generous spirit and was very happy to help other people out. He was one of a minority of people who 'made a difference' for good in his world.

I regard Jim as one of those people who can truly be described as 'the salt of the earth'.

Preparing for His Death

We admire Jim not only for the way he lived, but also for the manner in which he prepared for his death. Not everyone can accept their own mortality in the way that he did.

With Margaret and John's help Jim sorted through his belongings and set his finances in order prior to leaving his unit. He even planned his funeral in great detail and today surprise - surprise we are doing exactly what he wanted!

Gratitude to His Family

It is very important now that we honour here Olive, Margaret and John and their family for taking Uncle Jim into their hearts and lives. You are truly Jim's family and you have done him proud. 

While it is true that he had no known blood relations after the death of his brother – really, he didn't need them. He had you! And I know that he loved you all deeply.

Legacy

James Philip Hewlett 5th leaves us all an invaluable legacy; and has given us an example that challenges us, enriches us, and inspires us as we live on in the ever-changing world of our times.

Yes, this is a sad day - but also a day of thanksgiving as we celebrate also Jim, the man, and his life.

Final Farewell

Thank you, Uncle Jim!

We are all so proud of you . . .

We are blessed because you lived . . .

We shall always remember you . . .

We love you . . . Farewell!

 Written by and read at the Funeral Service in Fremantle, Western Australia by Marion Helen Clark.