QSM for local Rotarian

A passion for dogs, pipe bands, education and Rotary has retired Inglewood accountant, James (Jim) Shepherd, awarded the Queen's Service Medal for services to the community.

While the award was made public on Monday, as part of the Queen's Birthday 2015 New Zealand Royal Honours list, Jim was planning to spend his Sunday evening quietly letting a few family members know. "I don't want them to find out secondhand, so I will make a few phonecalls."

Jim's wife, Carol, knew as the same time as he did. "I think my reaction when I read the letter was so obvious, so noticeable, she asked what had happened, so I showed her the letter."

Jim says it is "an absolute honour" to receive the Queen's Service Medal, saying there are many people who do things in the community.

While that may be the case, the list of organisations to have benefited from Jim's experience, knowledge and dedication is impressive in its length.

Jim's involvement with Rotary spans over four decades, during which he has served as president, secretary, assistant district governor and treasurer at various times. "I had a client when I was an accountant, he was a member and encouraged me to come along. I haven't regretted it I might add." It is the diversity of Rotary members, along with its focus on service that appeals to Jim.

When we are presenting a cheque to someone after a fundraiser, it always feels worthwhile.

Jim Shepherd

Rotary isn't the only organisation to have tapped into Jim's willingness to get involved in his local community. As well as being a member of the Boards of Governors for both Waitara and Inglewood Primary schools, he was a founding member of the Inglewood High School Trust as well as serving on the Board of Governors there. He says being involved with local schools was something, "I had to do, I had three daughters".

Jim's involvement with the High School Board came about after their first elections were held. "I didn't stand, but afterwards they are entitled to co-opt a couple of people, so they asked me because of my accounting experience."

Jim served on the board for 13 years.

When you work alongside good people you stay involved, and there were plenty of good people on that board.

Jim Shepherd

One of Jim's greatest passions is undoubtedly his canine companions.

His belief that "well behaved owners are just as important as well behaved dogs," is carried through in his involvement with the Gordon Setter Club of New Zealand, the Taranaki Gundog Club and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People New Zealand.

"Whenever I hear about a dog attack, I don't know whether to be sad or mad," he says, adding that he would like to see less negative feeling towards dogs in New Zealand. "I go to other countries, like Britian, and see dogs everywhere, much more accepted than here, I would like our country to reach that point."

- Jim Shepherd was one of 64 people to be awarded the Queens Service Medal in this year's Queen's Birthday 2015 New Zealand Royal Honours list.

His community involvement includes membership of the New Plymouth Caledonian Pipe Band since 1964, along with holding roles within the Taranaki Search Light Tattoo, the Royal New Zealand Pipe Band Association, Rotary Club of Inglewood, Inglewood High School Trust and Board of Governors, Waitara Central and Inglewood Primary Board of Governors, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, Taranaki Gundog Society, and the Gordon Setter Club of New Zealand.