From 1925 to 2025: Jim Leckie’s Journey Through 100 Years

23 January 25

Lodge Ku-ring-gai 1033 recently celebrated the remarkable 100th birthday of one of its distinguished members, VW Bro Jim Leckie, who reached this milestone on January 1, 2025.

The event was highlighted by the presence of the Grand Master, MW Bro Khris Albano, who presented Jim with a commemorative medallion in recognition of this extraordinary occasion. Friends, family, and brethren gathered to honour Jim and celebrate a life of dedication, service, and achievement.

Above: Jim receives a commemorative medallion from the Grand Master

Reflecting Jim’s proud Scottish heritage, the evening commenced with an Address to the Haggis, delivered by RW Bro Greg Cormie. This ceremonial tribute set the tone for an evening of heartfelt camaraderie and celebration.

Jim’s journey began in Corkerhill, Glasgow, Scotland, where he was born. He was initiated into Freemasonry on April 22, 1946, at Lodge Gael 609 in Scotland. During the Second World War, Jim served in the Royal Air Force with 166 Squadron as a Flight Engineer, completing 36 bombing missions in Lancaster Bombers. After the war, he emigrated to Australia, where he pursued a distinguished career in the aviation industry, ultimately retiring as a Senior Check Flight Engineer with Qantas.

In 1956, Jim married Norma, with whom he had three children: Craig, Kim, and Ian. Sadly, Norma passed away in January 2020. Despite this loss, Jim’s dedication to Freemasonry and his community remained unwavering.

Jim’s contributions to Freemasonry have been recognised throughout his long membership. He was conferred the rank of Past Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies (PDGDC) in September 2004. In 2022, at a regular meeting of Lodge Ku-ring-gai, Jim received his 75-Year Certificate, a momentous occasion attended by the Grand Master MW Bro Les Hicks and the then Deputy Grand Master RW Bro Khris Albano.

Above: Jim responds to the presentation of the medallion, he joked " I'm speechless, which is a very rare event" 

The celebration of Jim’s centenary serves as a testament to his extraordinary life, spanning 75 years of dedication to Freemasonry. It was a joyous occasion, honoring not only his milestone birthday but also his remarkable service to the Craft and his community.

No 100th birthday should be celebrated with only one cake!

Story and Photos courtesy of RW Bro Peter Goodridge