People Australia

James Cornelius (Jim) Corcoran (1906-1980) wharf labourer and trade union official 

Birth: 2 September 1906 at Zeehan, Tasmania, son of Tasmanian born descendant of convicts Thomas Henry Corcoran (1866-1923), waterside worker later mine manager, and Matilda Ann, née Gavan (1877-1957), born in Victoria. Marriage: 1933 to Kathleen Sarah Davenport, of Melbourne. They had three children. Death: 17 June 1980 at Stanley, Tasmania. Religion: Catholic.

• Parents seem to have lived in Victoria and Jim might have been brought up by his grandmother at Stanley, Tasmania.
• Worked as a wharf labourer, joining Waterside Workers’ Federation (WWF) at Stanley, North Tasmania, 22 September 1924. Two uncles were foundation members of the branch, established in 1914. Father and brother were WWF members in Melbourne.
• Transferred to Melbourne where he participated in 1928 strike.
• Returned to Tasmania in 1935. In World War II he served part time in Tasmania, from January 1942 to November 1945, as a sergeant with the 4th Battalion, Volunteer Defence Corps.
• President Stanley branch WWF for 14 years, secretary for 11 years, as well as vigilance officer and committeeman. Attended seven All Ports Conferences. Member of WWF for 53 years upon his retirement in 1978.
• Officer (AD) of the Native Laurel Lodge of the United Ancient Order of Druids.

Sources
Maritime Worker, 12 November 1974, 30 May 1978, August 1980.