Jim Cassimatis, the owner of newsXpress Caboolture and newsXpress North Lakes, passed away yesterday afternoon surrounded by his children and family. It was very peaceful. He was calm and just drifted away with no struggle. Jim suffered a brain aneurysm on Sunday and had been in hospital since.
Jim served the newsagency channel for many years, including time as president of the QNF (Queensland Newsagents Federation). It was during this time that I first met him when I was representing the ANF in unity discussions.
Jim was a knowledgable and fierce advocate for newsagents and for Queensland. He served newsagents in the state well and selflessly.
Jim, and his late wife Barb, joined newsXpress many years ago. newsXpress Caboolture was an early member in Queensland, where the group began. He joined his North Lakes store when that opened some years later.
Jim was at the newsXpress conference on the Gold Coast just ten days ago may remember Jim, making a contribution as he always did. He was keen to learn and understand.
My thoughts, and I am sure the thoughts of many in the channel are with Nick and his sisters, their extended family and with the team members at the newsXpress Caboolture and newsXpress North Lakes stores.
This is very sad news.
When I was with Lovatts I met Jim many times over the years. A softly spoken but fierce advocate for all newsagents. a sad loss indeed