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While most people who raise the bat for the important milestone would be happy to settle into their routines, Jim has used it as an excuse to go on an adventure.
While Jim officially celebrated his birthday in Ballarat last month, the centenarian has returned to his ‘second home’ to extend the celebrations.
It has included a tour of the Southern Riverina district to spend time with as many friends as possible.
Born and raised on the banks of the Billabong Creek at Conargo, Jim and his family have recently returned after purchasing land in Conargo.
He now spends half his time here, and the other half in Ballarat.
Jim is being accompanied by his daughter Aileen Loader for the tour, giving friends, family and others who could not get to Ballarat last month the chance to catch up and celebrate.
And there’s a gift for his well-wishers, with the tour memorialised with the creation of custom-made stubby holders featuring Jim’s face, his birth date and the saying ‘100 years young’.
Jim was brought up in and around Deniliquin and was one of ten children.
He got to know quite a few people during his time as a shearer’s cook in the 1950s, spending time across the region working in the shearing sheds.
It included the Tonganmain Wool Shed at Coleambally, which Jim visited on Saturday 68 years after completing his work there.
Jim married Mary in 1958, and they chose to move to the colder climate of Ballarat.
Their family was complete when they welcomed Aileen.
In Ballarat, Jim became a tram conductor and was notably in charge of one of the last running trams in the city.
Heading to Victoria wasn’t the end of his time around the Edward River region though.
He made trips to the area with his family, including for Wanganella family reunions.
Aileen said there is an inextricable link between her father and the country region he grew up in and still enjoys today.
“He loves getting back here because of his connection to the land,” she said.
Aileen said a secret to Jim’s longevity was his old and new connections to the region.
“Another reason he loves it here is that besides all of his old friends, he’s made lots of new friends as well.
“It keeps him young.”
Having lived a storied life, Jim’s trip to the Edward River region has brought him back to his roots and showcased the “circle of life”, Aileen said.
“He spends a lot of time at Billabong Creek now, which is where he was born.
It is a beautiful chance for him to reminisce.”
Like any other centenarian, Jim received official birthday correspondence from King Charles and Australian political dignitaries.
But among his most treasured birthday memories, the lifelong supporter received birthday messages from his beloved Geelong Football Club.
Geelong legend Billy Brownless, who is originally from Jerilderie, sent a birthday video message, and Finley product Tom Hawkins also made sure to send well wishes to Jim.
Aileen Loader with her father, Jim Maher.
Jim Maher (front right) with siblings and in-laws at a Wanganella family reunion in the 1970s.
Aileen Loader and Jim Maher with the custom-made stubby holder for Jim's 100th birthday.
Jim Maher was joined by friends and family at The Coach House Hotel Deniliquin on Friday.
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