Vale James Stackpoole OAM

It is with much sadness that we advise of the passing of Sensei Jim Stackpoole, Principal of Kyushin Ryu School of Jujitsu and KRJJ Judo Club, on 4th August 2022.  Since May 2021, Jim has bravely fought ALCL, a rare and aggressive lymphatic cancer.

Jim was vice patron for Judo Queensland and sat on the Member Protection Committee and the Integrity Committee.  He was on the Board for many years as a Director and was Technical Director and a senior examiner.

Jim was born on Sunday 19th October, 1947.  He started his Judo career in 1960 at Sandgate RSL Youth Club under Jim Davis and Sandgate Judo Club under Des de Vene. At only 18 he was appointed to his first Judo Head Coach position on the retirement of Jim Davis. He attained his Sho Dan in 1966 through QUBBA (Queensland United Black Belt Association). He had two, six month periods where he trained in Japan under Minehiko Nakano Sensei, 1968 and 1974, where he was trained by the Master in Kyushin Ryu Jujitsu and Judo.  Jim attained his Ni Dan in Judo in 1968 in Japan. He has competed in and won State and National Judo Championships. In 1969, he returned from Japan and joined the Commonwealth Police Force where he taught Judo at Lithgow and North Sydney Police Boys Club.  On 19th February 1971, he returned to the Queensland Police Force and was appointed as senior martial arts instructor at the newly opened Queensland Police Academy, teaching his Judo and Jujitsu skills. He retired as a Superintendent of Police in 2007.  But during his transfers to Rockhampton, Mt Isa, Townsville, Innisfail, Gold Coast and Brisbane, he has instructed, coached, developed and touched the lives of many Judoka across the country. Jim’s numerous achievements reflect his dedication to reaching the highest potential in anything he set his sights on, including Judo, Jujitsu, Touch, AFL and Life Saving.  His work ethic was exceptional and his commitment to, and love for, his family, everlasting.

Some of his achievements include:

• Life member of Judo Queensland in 2021
• Diamond Life Member of Kyushin Ryu School of Jujitsu/Judo in 2019
• Life Member of the Australian Jujitsu Federation  -  2019
• Q Sports Award for Judo in 2017
• Order of Australia Medal in 2015 for Service to Sport OAM
• Director, and Member of Executive Council of Australian Jujitsu Federation Inc, 2004 – 2021
• Diamond Life Member with the QPCYWA 2007
• Inducted into the Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame and World Karate Union Hall of Fame in 2005.
• Founding Chairman Zillmere PCYC 2001 - 2007; Vice Patron 2008 - present
• Other Life Memberships: Sandgate RSL Youth Club, Sandgate Judo Club, Mount Isa Judo Club, North Queensland Touch Association
• National Director of Referees, Australian Touch Association 1988-1990

Jim’s departure leaves a big hole in the hearts of his many students, friends and colleagues, in Judo, Jujitsu, the police service and many other associations to which he generously devoted his time and energy. We will miss his patience, strength, drive for excellence, humility, laughter, courage & love.

Meladee, Steffi, Chris & Acacia thank all of you for wonderful comments and kind words.

A final farewell to Jim will be held at 11 am, Wednesday 17 August 2022 at Victory Centre, 32 Carseldine Rd, Bridgeman Downs.  Everyone is encouraged and welcome to attend.

For those who are unable to attend, the service will be streamed on YouTube.