James Ormonde

James Patrick Ormonde (23 March 1903 – 30 November 1970) was a Scottish-born Australian politician. Born in Fife, he migrated to Australia as a child and was educated at Catholic schools in Maitland, New South Wales. He became a journalist first with the Labor Daily and then with the Sydney Morning Herald. In 1958, he was appointed to the Australian Senate as a Labor Senator for New South Wales, filling the casual vacancy resulting from the death of Labor Senator Bill Ashley. He was re-elected in the 1958 election, but the remainder of Ashley's term was filled by Colin McKellar; thus, Ormonde was not a Senator between 22 November 1958 and 1 July 1959. He remained in the Senate until his retirement in 1970; however, he died before his retirement took effect in 1971 and Jim McClelland, who had been elected to replace him, filled the vacancy.

Early life Ormonde was born on 23 March 1901 in Kirkcaldy, Scotland. He was the son of Bridget (née Reilly) and Jeremiah Ormonde.

Journalism Joining the ALP at a young age, Ormonde began his career in journalism with the Labor Daily, initially as a delivery man before becoming a writer.

Personal life Ormonde married Margaret Fraser in 1927, with whom he had four children. His son Paul followed him into the journalism profession. During the 1930s the family lived in poverty and frequently stayed in boardinghouses, but they were eventually able to buy a house in Eastwood.

Ormonde died on 30 November 1970 at Hughlings Private Hospital in Darlinghurst, New South Wales, aged 67. He had been in poor health for several months.