From running the local hardware store ‘Manglesons of Mullumbimby’ from 1972 to 1977 to starting Chincogan Real Estate in 1979, all with his wife Jan, Jim (James Harry) Mangleson was a man who liked to get on with life.
Father of eight, grandfather of 22, and great grandfather of 24 he moved his family from Sydney to Mullumbimby in 1972 to seek a healthier and happier life.
‘Mullumbimby is very much where he found his true home,’ said his daughter Nicci Mangleson. ‘Raising his family in this town was the highlight of his life.’
As a young man Jim was a gifted student receiving many university scholarship offers, as well as a skilled sportsman across many disciplines including earning selection into the Footscray VFL club under-18 team, and strong prospects of first grade before having to move from Melbourne to Sydney for work.
While Jim and Jan were running Manglesons of Mullumbimby they bought a family farm on the side of Mt Chincogan in 1974 and added cattle farmers to their list of accomplishments. It was here that Jim designed and built the family home by hand despite having no formal qualifications.
‘Jim was never one to back down from a challenge though and this was typical of his “can do” attitude and strong self-belief,’ said Nicci.
‘He was a ferocious reader and researcher and was also a self-taught mechanic, photographer, and engineer.’
Jim and Jan became very well known locally and were key in a number of local developments, including the Roundhouse in Ocean Shores, and for the longest, continually run, real estate agency in Byron Shire.
Jim also named Coolamon Scenic Drive and created the first metric sign in Australia.
‘There was a need to rename that road and the Progress Association made the mistake of telling Jim, it’s a great name but you can’t just name a road, Sydney will need to approve it. Jim’s response “Watch Me!” Jim made the signs, calculated the metric measurement, noted it on the sign, and installed them himself, much to the benefit of locals. That name was officially adopted afterwards,’ said Nicci.
Jim was a founding member of the Ocean Shores Golf Club, got the club its liquor license, and was a club champion as an amateur golfer.
Jim was also a strong advocate for reducing the flood impact in North Byron Shire, standing up for many people and asking for much needed accountability on how to reduce the impacts of flooding.
‘Jim leaves behind a remarkable 77 direct descendants,’ said Nicci.
‘He always said that “there are many ways to measure wealth, and it’s not material wealth that makes you rich, it is the love for, and of, family and friends that is the highest wealth on earth”.’
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