By BRIDGET SCOTT
A DEDCIATED community volunteer will take a step back after 47 years as a Justice of the Peace (JP).
John Arthur, known to most as ‘Jack’ started his work as a JP in the swamp town of Kooweerup where he worked in a shoe shop for many of his earlier years.
These days, Jack could be found behind the desk at the Narre Warren police station where he was a familiar face to many from the City of Casey.
On Monday morning, police from around the area gathered to celebrate the work of JPs from throughout the area.
Jack, accompanied by wife Val on the day, has decided to retire due to fraying health. Casey Inspector Paul Breen said “it’s been a pleasure to be involved with such a community-minded resident.”
“I have been involved with Jack in my six months, and all the previous police members think highly of him,” he said.
“We wish him all the best and will miss him.”
Wife Val said he was very well known in Kooweerup when he decided to take on the role.
“If they had a mayor in town at the time, he would have been it,” she said.
“He was a resident of Kooweerup for all his life until he came to Berwick in 1994,” she said.
“I know he was very well thought of down there and liked doing things for people where he could.”
Jack said “people knew who he was” and was trying to “be good and do all he could for the people.”
Wendy Cantwell, who co-ordinated the Justice of the Peace in Casey described him as a “real gentleman and a delightful man.”
“He was a pleasure to have on the roster, I could always rely on him,” she said.
“He loved meeting the public and really enjoyed people’s company.”
