22.03.1965 – 26.08.2026
It is with great sadness that we announce that Jim (William James) Altmann has grown his angel wings and is now pain-free and in peace.
Jim was the very best kind of human; complex, complicated and contradictory. He was funny, cheeky, smart, brave, loyal, and the kind of friend and colleague you always knew had your back. He was also stubborn, bossy, prone to being grumpy and a pain in the arse a great deal of the time – all tactics he deployed to deflect attention away from the fact that he’d not had an easy life and endured things many of us couldn’t comprehend.
He loved his Holdens, his dogs, the Blues, a smooth surface on the spreadable butter, a neat fridge, and to let anyone who would listen know that he was the best cook (and the best looking) in his family. He spent decades serving our country in the RAAF and decades serving Sonja.
In his own Jim way, he adored Sonja and loved his three boys William, Zachary, and Jared-James and their families.
There will never be another Jim like ours and he will be greatly missed.
Following a private cremation we will have a farewell for Jim that fittingly celebrates all the things and people he loved. We look forward to you sharing the stories of the Jim you knew with us at that time. Details will be posted when we know more (thank you for your patience).
Date:
November 2026 (to be finalised)
Location:
Adelaide (to be finalised)
Notes:
Please share your messages & memories of Jim in the Guestbook below
I served with Jim in 90/91 at Richmond, often on shift together and great to work with. Always up for a bit of dog training, professional, knowledgable and good fun. I last spoke with him when he was a Sgt at the school and we kept in contact on FB. RIP Jim.
Woodsy
I first met Jim at RAAF Fairbairn in 1985. He was the guy with the cheeky smile, a great sense of humour, and always time to stop and have a chat.
I was honoured to be there at his first wedding, and I remember his boys when they were just tiny babies. It’s hard to believe so many years have passed since those Fairbairn days.
I’ll always remember Jim with great fondness and that unmistakable cheeky smile.
Sending my love and deepest condolences to all of Jim’s family, from every chapter of his life, at this very sad time.
Jim was the one constant in my life. I don’t have a memory of our Dad before I was 7 and my other siblings were in and out of it. He could be a pain in the neck and cranky but he was my brother.
Sonja asked me to tell some stories about him.
When he was 7 we moved to a farm with our step Dad and our Mum. We were pretty wild and Jim would always lead some kind of fun activity. When we got home from school we would get our horse Betsy up to the fence post and go for rides. She was part draft horse and huge and a gentle giant.
Other times we would take his air rifle out that was held together with a bent nail and stuff any small rock that would fit and shoot leaves.
One day my step Dad built a raft and asked us all if we wanted to go in it. Jim and Linda were up for the fun and it sank! Neither of them could swim at that time.
We also bred cattle dogs and at the 1973 Royal Easter show we took our puppies to show and showed them.
Our Step Dad was a butcher and was mates with another butcher family. We used to go over and play and the sister was Jim’s first girlfriend and yes he was around 8 then. We used to play in their cubby houses which were caves in the bush behind their houses.
Jim loved animals from a young age and we were surrounded by them because my Step Dad had a menagerie.
Sometimes Jim and our eldest sister would ride our potty calves.
When Jim was 9 we went to live with Dad and went to Malaysia with our new step Mum and her 3 children. We all learnt to swim and Jim was very good. He went to scouts and learnt karate. We used to have a maid and a gardener and one day the gardener discovered a little green snake in our tree. The gardener was going to kill the snake but Jim persuaded him to give it to him. As little boys do he kept it in his pocket at some stage he persuaded me to pat it. All six kids knew about the snake but Mum and Dad didn’t. The news about this snake got around our school and the science teacher asked Jim if he could see it. Turns out that he persuaded me to pat the most poisonous snake in Malaysia. It’s fortunate it was a baby and that it didn’t bite him.
We all did karate and Jim and I were similar heights so our instructor paired us up for a free spar. Everything was fine until I missed and kicked below the belt. I was really concerned because Jim couldn’t get up and our instructor grabbed a wrist and ankle to shake him and get him up. That accident paid off because apparently it gave me a psychological edge, years later we were driving and he made some smart ass comment and I looked at home sharply and he flinched. I asked him why and he told me he was a little afraid of me …. lol
My son and I were talking about Jim’s FC which reminded me of when we went car shopping for me. We decided to take my car through the car wash first and my drivers window wouldn’t go up properly anymore and Jim gave me his jumper so I wouldn’t get wet. Did I tell u I had a sun roof? We start going through the car wash and I’m fine but suddenly on Jim’s side the water starts gushing through the sunroof and nobody matter what he did he couldn’t get out of it (I don’t think either of us thought to push the sunroof button to close it properly). I’m laughing so hard and so is Jim. Both of us always laughed when the other did. We both have tears streaming down our faces and he says to me ‘if you don’t stop laughing I’m going to bash you’. That made me laugh even harder. When we got out we had to unfog the car and go back to his house to dry off. I couldn’t look at him the rest of the day or I’d start laughing again. Poor Sonja must have thought we were demented when we came back.
I have so many stories about Jim but mostly I’m proud of my big brother for the career he had and that he overcame cancer twice. He was obstinate and would get cranky at me but I also knew if I really needed him he’d be there for me. Rest in peace big brother.
Uncle Jim was my godfather, and all I can say is that he was the best godfather anyone could ever ask for. ❤️
Even though we lived far away from each other, I always knew I could count on him. He had a way of making you laugh, and he seemed to know everything including the important life lesson that you shouldn’t drink the water because fish fuck in it. 😂
But jokes aside, Uncle Jim, I love you so much. Thank you for being my godfather, for always being someone I could count on, and for being such a special part of my life. You will be deeply missed and never forgotten. ❤️
And to my beautiful godmother, Auntie Sonja, I am so incredibly sorry for the loss of your best friend, your soulmate, and William’s father. My heart goes out to you both during this heartbreaking time.
Sending you all my love, strength and biggest hugs. ❤️
Dear Jim
When Sonja told me you passed away I was in shock and I still am 😪
I still can’t believe you are not here anymore
20 years ago I came to australia for the first time to see my mum’s cousins that I didn’t see for at least 15 years.
One year later when I came back Bert told me to see you and sonja. And there I was at the airport not knowing you guys
You and sonja took me into your house having a great time
After that I would come back to you guys nearly every year
When I wanted my first tattoo I asked you to come with me because I was scared and you took me there. When I was at your place you would take me in the early morning to the place I would go on my tours or take me to the airport if I needed to
You could be a grumpy one especially with your butter or when I did your coffee wrong Or when I made you a vegemite sandwich but I had no clue how to make that. But you were the only one who drunk as much coffee as I do and I loved our little smoke breaks when you still smoked. But you also make me laugh, I do remember I had to colouring my hair black and sonja washed my hair in the garden because I was to afraid to make your bathroom dirty. 😁
When I had to be picked up from the hospital you were there do to that. Sonja told me you could stay longer if you like and the first thing I said was is Jim oke with that because I know you needed to have 7 days notice 😁
After all Jim I always had a lovely time with you
You were always there for me and I truly appreciate that
I miss you now and forever
You were my favorite and you will always be
I hope you have found your peace
May you rest in peace dear Jim
Sonja and family oue deepest condolence 🙏 we had the great pleasure of getting to know Jim through Sonja and had the pleasure of his company at a few lunches he played with Zak on the playground and our grandson just loved him Jim will be missed by us all RIP dear friend
Dear Sonja and family, we are deeply saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a wonderful person and his loss will be deeply felt. We will miss his sense of humour and tough exterior, contrasting with his kind interior.
Our sincerest condolences to you, family and friends. Taken too soon. RIP Jim.
Jim was a valued and loved member of the Pro-Active Veterans Group at Payneham. His cheeky, quick witted jokes made him a favourite within the team and with other Veterans.
My deepest condolences to Sonja and family.
Jim was a true professional (most of the time ) a dedicated man, and above all, a great mate. It was an absolute honor and privilege to serve alongside him, He will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Stand easy, mate, Thank you for your service, your loyalty, and the laughs we shared. Rest in peace, brother. 💔 Our sincere condolences to Sonja and William.
First Met Jimbo or sometimes we would call him shimbo, thats another story, in 1984 as GH,s at 34 squadron we had some great times at work and at play. He was great mates mate, he would always back you , i rember he use to get that killer look in his eyes when he was pissed off with something, usually at our work mate Macka.
I rember the time we went to Bo,s another work mate church to play basketball ball, and still rember Jimbo swearing the hole time. I was lucky enough to catch up with Jimbo when he and William were passing through and my wife didn’t think we were going to bed at all. He was at my wedding 39 years ago and him and Jodie my wife always have a special text message on the 22 march for their birthdays.
I’ll always miss him and I’ll never forget him.
Rest in peace my friend I’ll reunite for a shitty Bundy rum with you one day.
Sonya and the boys you will always think of the good times and that cheeky smile.
RIP my friend.
Although I had the privilege of knowing Jim for only a short time through the DVA Veterans Health Group & SA SASR Association, he left a great impression on me.
His friendship & presence will be remembered with great fondness. My sincere condolences to Sonja & family.
Jim you will be sadly missed, but warmly remembered. (RIP) Mate
Although I had the privilege of knowing Jim for only a short time through our DVA Veterans Health Group & SA SASR Association, he left a lasting impression on me.
His friendship & presence will be remembered with great fondness.
My sincere condolences to Sonja & family.
Jim will be sadly missed, but warmly remembered. (RIP) Mate.
I first met Jimbo in the early 80’s. We were General Hands at 492SQN, a couple of teenagers trying to work out what we wanted to do in life. He was a fun bloke to be around. He always had a smile on his face, even if he wasn’t happy. You just needed to know how to read it, it was all in his eyes.
He was a cheeky bugger too, and always got away with it. I’ll never forget the time he gave his girlfriend at the time notice, and true to his word two weeks later they were through. Only Jim could get away with that. Not long after that he was with Sonya and that was that, soulmates.
Our career’s crossed paths several times over the many years we served. Every time we got together it was like we hadn’t been away, chatting and laughing like it was yesterday.
RIP my friend, you will forever be missed by us all.
Dear Family, Your tribute to this beautiful man, leaves us with a smile on our dial – and in complete wonderment at how someone could so cleverly express, in words, the tribute above, that so cleverly defines our Jim. For a moment, you brought him back into the present. Whenever Jim visits our clinic, and no matter how he feels, he is always,”in the present”, engaged, listening – and giving. We will dearly miss Jim. We send our love and support as you try to fill the hole he will leave in the family for a while…and settle for the delight of always having him with you, in your hearts and minds.
Dear Sonja and William my deepest condolences thinking of you at this very sad time. Cherish all the memories. I will miss all our chats with Jim and recipes we shared
Jim was one of those operators who would be a mate forever. I worked with him at Edinburgh for a couple of years. He had gone through his first round of cancer and survived. But you wouldn’t know it. He was as hard working and dedicated as the best working dog handler. Just a true friend when you needed one. Never made a fuss. He welcomed me with open arms when I called him up years later after I had left and joined SAPOL. Gave me and my colleague the VIP treatment showing us the new Edinburgh and dog section. He was a true gentleman and legend of the game. I will always hold a special memory of him in my heart. Taken too soon but will always be remembered.
Jim,
I will always remember you being so welcoming and making me a really good espresso coffee. ☕❤️
You and Sonja opened your home and your hearts to me and my son at a time when we truly needed friendship, support and a place where we felt safe. That kindness is something I will never forget.
I will remember your cheekiness, your sense of humour and the laughs we shared. You had a way of making people feel welcome and part of your family.
Thank you, Jim, for your friendship, your kindness and for being you. You will be sadly missed and fondly remembered. ❤️
With love, Debbie
Words cannot express my sincere grief at losing Jim. He was an all round good and honest bloke who deserved to be here for years longer. Outside to outsiders, he could look hard and uncaring. But those of is who were lucky to know the man knew different. You will be sadly missed Jim. To Sonja and William my deepest condolences. Our job of looking after our mate isn’t finished. Please lean on us for anything. Ibbo.
Sonja & the whole family, we send our deepest condolences at this very sad time. We hope to be able to help you celebrate Jim’s life in a really personal way. Kate Morgan & the team at Tomorrow Funerals