I had the great privilege to meet Jim in Timor-Leste in 2019 and we exchanged a number of emails resulting from our shared love of Timor-Leste and its people. Moreover, he was intent on telling the story of 2/2nd Commando Squadron and ensuring that the Falantil story was captured before the veterans passed on. He also wanted to capture the Australian and New Zealand story from 1999.

His energy and passion for Timor-Leste and life was boundless. He was trusted by the Timorese and his vision was to produce a battlefield tour guide for veterans and their families to return to Timor-Leste.

It was an honour to have spent time with you Jim. Rest In Peace.

Well mate I guess dinner at my place is off but we'll catch up again. I'll miss the cups of tea, sharing the wins and losses. Always genuine and with good intent you always challenged. You proudly wore the leather out of the shoes, frenetically communicated and humorously remonstrated. I learnt to appreciate that no is a starting position and I always felt sorry for the person saying no.  I will miss your energy, enthusiasm, laughs and the bottles of red and the relaxed conversations with you and Collette on latest exploits and planned adventures. Being very Jim, you departed on adventure.

A sad and much too early end to an amazing life of achievements in military, business and adventure. 
Rock climbing with Jim was always an exciting experience; you just never knew how the day would play out. On a visit to a mountain warfare course in the early 90's he was the first with his skis on, the first to knock up a hot brew, the first to get his tent up at the end of a long day and the first into his sleeping bag.
As a military thinker and challenger of the status quo he was unequalled.
RIP Jim
 

I had the privilege of serving as one of your young Officers at 2 Coy and can say without equivocation you were one of the best OCs we had who was always focused on the mission, men and Unit capability - sometimes to the detriment of your career. I was also fortunate to have kept in touch with you since the 90's and being dragged in your wake with Crisis Leaders, reviewing you prodigious articles and books and of course the epic motorbike adventure through Timor Leste. You were a big influence on my life and career and will certainly be missed mate. RIP Jim

Jim was indeed a unique individual. 
His passion for unconventional warfare and combination of courage, intelligence and vision would have seen him standout and widely written about in conflicts at any other point of history. Truly remarkable person and missed. 
Colette, you and the family can be very proud of him.

A great friend and tireless ferreter-out of the truth. Without his generosity my forthcoming book on Operation Semut would have been considerably poorer. So sorry that I now won't get the change to argue with him about it. Deepest sympathies to Colette and family.

Jim used to joke to me when we he was in his early 20's that it would be a miracle if he survived beyond 30 years of age. This indicated the drive he had to live life to the full, take (calculated) risks and enjoy what he wanted to do. He survived the 30 years milestone and Jim went on to cram as much as he could into life. I was always interested to find out what he was doing and he kept in periodic contact. I was very sad to hear the news.

I first met Jim at the Army Parachute School where my first impressions of him were correct. He was indeed a true officer and a gentleman amongst his peers and always respected his fellow soldiers. I would have gladly served under him during peace time and operations. Rest In Peace my friend 

Truck Sams and The Long Ride Home Team

I did not know army Jim but I do know my cousin Jim’s intense gaze had thawed out over time.
Jim was driven but comfortable in his civilian suit and tie. He loved a challenge and relished using his life skill, wit and the pen to take on the corporate world in crisis.
Jim greatly cherished his wife, children and grandchildren. He was somewhat amused by the width and diversity of the wider family across the country and our Irish roots. He was currently researching the family tree, many of us receiving text messages and requesting information just days before his passing.
Jim relished the challenges of looking into past history, following up links to our convict past and rattling the bones of buried secrets.
Jim's passing is a reminder to all of us to make every moment count.
Margaret Lyons ( Unternaehrer) [First cousin of Jim on his maternal side]

Goodbye Sir, but never forgotten. Inspirational and challenging, you taught many the art of dancing with the tiger.

“If happiness is the goal – and it should be, then adventures should be top priority.” – Richard Branson
I first met Jim when he was the operations officers at SASR and I was OC 3 Sqn in 1996. I will never forget the legacy that Jim left on many, he was truely a Special Operator who challenged himself and those around him. He never lacked energy or an opinion and his counsel was something many sort over their lifetime. Jim has lived a remarkable life and will be greatly missed by us all. My thoughts are with Jim's family and many friends who will be much affected by his loss. Mark

Good morning

I was tasked by H.E. the Prime-Minister Timor Leste (Jose Maria Vasconcelos aka Taur Ruak) to convene the following message to you and to the Family:
"It is with great sorrow that we hear the shocking news of the tragic passing of hour “Comrade in arms” Jim Truscott.
Mr. Jim was a good Friend, a good Military, and a beloved person who gathered many good Friends in Timor-Leste.
We remember His happiness, His strong commitment, dedication and sacrifice spirit, towards Timor-Leste Peace and Development
It is a great lost for all of us and we would like to convene to Friends and Family, our deepest condolences, our good prayers and wishes to God Almighty to assist you all in these hard moments
May God Bless Mr. Jim Truscott soul with His kindness and receive His Spirit back to Light! "
We will keep Mr. Jim Truscott alive with our good memories and among our prayers!
Thank you again for your message

Warm regards

Jose Fernando Real
Secretariat of GPM Timor Leste

We were truly shocked to learn of Jim's death. So fit, strong, energetic and filled with purpose, he seemed the least likely. I first met Jim with a mutual cricketing friend in Year 12. I recall being struck by a blazing intensity and, in hindsight, I think that was his impatience to get the world by the throat and wring every last drop of achievement out of it. Two years later, Jim arrived at the Royal Military College. His room was on the ground floor of Cork Block in Long Tan Company. His audacity, in leapfrogging the trials of 4th Class directly into 3rd, exemplified his attitude that nothing he believed should be done was impossible. Decades later, I worked for Jim on several Crisis Leaders jobs. His legendary energy, drive, belief and intellect overwhelmed some, but everyone was enriched by association. Jim's passing will leave a huge space in the lives of his family, friends and colleagues, but in time his legacy will fill it. Vale Jim

I am extremely saddened to learn of Jim’s passing.
I had the pleasure of briefly working for him on “special projects” during my posting to the regiment. I remember that I immediately took a liking to him for his intellect and energy. But especially for his unconventionality and odd-ball status within the unit. And that’s saying something in a unit full of exceptional individuals.

I first met Jim, I think, whilst I was a sergeant posted to the Defence Staff of the Australian Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia. He was planning the OP RIMAO REVISITED kayaking expedition then.  I was tasked by the defence attaché to be the organizer and liaison on the Indonesian and Singapore and. I then met him and the rest of his team in the Riau archipelago in the middle of the night to ensure that cooperation between the Indonesian authorities and his team was working as planned.

I didn’t get to know him personally until I was posted to the regiment from Jakarta. From the reaction of some members after learning that I would be working for him on unspecified special projects, I learned quickly that Jim was a bit of a polarising figure. There was some eye rolling and head shaking from some. Amused tolerance from others. But overwhelmingly it was impressed upon me that this was a man of great intelligence, vision and courage. I could almost feel the air around him hum with his energy.

To me, and my all too brief association with him, Jim was the modern equivalent of such mid-20th century personages as Sir Hubert Wilkins, Sydney Cotton and Fitzroy Maclean. If Jim had been born in the 1920s, I’m sure that we would have been reading about his daring and unconventional exploits during WW2 in history books. He was intrepid, inventive and indefatigable.

I am grateful to have known him and to have worked with him. I join with his family, his mates and his colleagues in mourning his passing.

Vale Jim Truscott.

Harri Keinonen

Jim Truscott was a member of a unique group of 152 Australians who served on Op DAMON in Southern Rhodesia in 1979/80. On behalf of this group, i send sincere condolences to Colette and family as you mourn his untimely passing. We salute you Jim! Your duty done.

Vale Major Jim Truscott, It was pleasure to serve with you at the 1st Field Squadron (1 FER).  You will be surely missed by all who knew and served with you in the Squadron and during your time of service in the ADF.  Rest in peace, Jim. 

We were shocked to hear of Jim's passing.
Jim was effervescent like a man in his 20's, always appearing to be in perpetual motion. It didn't matter if you sent him an E-mail at 1 am, from wherever he was you would likely get a response then or in a matter of hours afterwards (as long as he wasn't halfway up some mountain in a place you could hardly pronounce).
I had the privilege of getting to know Jim over the last 20 years or so & while the engagements of his time were generally short and sweet (quality, non-nonsense events), I did travel with him to Borneo and a number of remote places around Australia as the time and need arose. I have been lucky to have known Jim and again privileged to read quite a bit of his written work of story's that films could be made of.
It is a great loss and my sincere condolences to his family, his colleagues and friends as he will be sorely missed by us all.  Jim, you were an inspiration. Istirahatlah dengan tenang, pak Jim.

It was Boxing Day 1979. The Australian contingent of the Commonwealth cease-fire monitoring force (Rhodesia) had just landed and been briefed by Major Peter Cosgrove at the Rhodesian Light Infantry Barracks. I was teamed up with a young engineer Lt, Jim Truscott and we were immediately flown to the Chiota Tribal Trust Land near Marandellas in two British Army Gazelle helicopters. I shared a hootchie with him for the next three months attached to the Rhodesian Amy’s 1 Psychological Operations Unit. On one occasion we received a letter from a group of “freedom fighters” who wanted to surrender to us but thought the Rhodesian Army would kill them. Jim decided that he and I would go and talk them into surrendering peacefully. Along with a small contingent of Rhodesians we traveled to a Native Kraal and Jim announced he would walk in unarmed and talk. I waited and soon a company group of Rhodesians arrived and wanted to attack the Kraal. I managed to get them to give me 15 minutes and went looking for Jim. I found him in a hut with about 6 heavily armed “freedom fighters” (AK 47’s and RPG 2’s) and some villagers all drinking mealie maize beer (warm brown horrible stuff) and some were smoking Dacca (marijuana). By now Jim was their best friend and he had convinced them to come back to Marandellas as they were safe under his protection. He also convinced the Rhodesian company commander (who was also a big fan of Jim’s unorthodox methods) to safely escort us to the police HQ whilst we sat in the back of a truck singing chimeringa (freedom) songs with our new friends. Jim was an amazing character born a hundred years too late. He became a friend for life and I will miss his enthusiasm and intellect. My thoughts are with Collette, his family and friends.
Major Peter King (ret’d)

Without doubt one of the most intelligent and interesting men I have ever met. Jim was a truly original thinker and always up for a chat on any subject you could imagine. A wonderful soldier and successful businessman, he will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathy to Colette and family. Vale Jim.

Tragic news. Jim was an excellent officer with a memorable steely determination. He had a mischievous side and it was a pleasure to serve with him and follow his remarkably successful career. George Clegg RMO, SASR 1980-84

I would like to pass on my sincere condolences to Jim's wife, Collette, his children and grandchildren, the wider family and the network of friends and colleagues of past and present. Like everyone, I was shocked to hear of Jim's passing.

Jim and I first met during our guerrilla warfare course in 1988 and we teamed up again in 1989 for Ex: Blue Flame...and what an enjoyable experience it was to be part of the GWTT Taipan with Jim as the leader. I liked and respected Jim and what he tried to do for himself and others...and that was to make you 'be better' than you are.

Jim was and will remain a remarkable individual who had an incredible sense of adventure, was personable, he had a positive impact on me and he always valued my contributions.

Rest in peace Jim (Taipan)

Respectfully,
Phil

Our lives crossed briefly many years ago. Condolences to your family and many friends. May you Rest In Peace.

Jim... The moment you were conceived they broke the mould. I don't recall ever working with you but I do recall a number of discussions we had about rock climbing, mountaineering and even tactics. Ah! Yes; and concepts. You were a skilful writer whose stories left a reader with thought provoking ideas. My favourites were the fireside chats with Genghis Khan around a camel dung fire. Farewell Warrior... Brother in Arms... Rest in Peace.
Prairie Dog

One of those rare, extraordinary people who we occasionally have the privilege to know in life.
Live all you can, learn all you can, give all you can, to paraphrase a John Wesley quote.
What a life and inspiration to the rest of us mortals.
We shall remember him. Or perhaps Jim might have preferred it if we were to say... who could forget him?

I did not know Jim well, but had some dealings with his literary endeavours. I published everything he submitted to the Defence Force Journal and the readership was enriched by each and every piece. He certainly encouraged debate and left his critics looking dull in the wake of his thoughts. Thanks for your service and your ideas Jim.

From the first time I met you, cleaning your toenails with a fork at the dining table in the SASR Officers Mess in 1981, something just told me you were different.  This grew over the years during many climbing adventures to some pretty exposed parts of south-west Australia, and then over east when we were both in Sydney.  Then there was that bloody passage you had me read at your marriage to Colette !
A fearless speaker of the truth, even if it was unpleasant, every country needs a Jim Truscott (but maybe only one).  You have inspired those who will follow you, but it is hard to imagine anyone ever replacing Jim.
Have fun on your next great adventure.
Russ

So shocked and saddened at your sudden passing.
We are comforted by the fact you were on yet another adventure with brothers in arms.
You were, and always be a legend, especially of the unconventional.
We all stood in awe of your amazing energy!
You will never be forgotten.
RIP Taipan

I first met Jim in June 1982, in Darwin, N.T. and left an indelible impression in the recesses of my mind. I again met Jim in March 2002 in the Fleet Street Coffee lounge in Pulteney Street Adelaide with Bob Kilsby to form Truscott Crisis Leaders, which I was privileged and honoured to join this 'band of brothers' , or Jim's Guerrilla Group, as Jim advised that his unusual structure was based on that model. I salute Jim and am grateful for the extensive example and leadership, provided to us all in this unique group. RIP Jim my friend.

Jim was a legend I was privileged to know and work with. He was a source of inspiration. He left a deep impression wherever he went and with whoever he met. He was a true patriot and an honourable man. He will be missed. Vale, Jim

"All men dream ,but not equally. Those that dream in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find it was only vanity, but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they act out their dreams with open eyes to make it happen" T.E Lawrence , Jim was a Dangerous man".
Continue to push the bounds.
Rick O'Haire

Thanks for your contributions Jim, to life, to memories of 3 Squadron together, and to the Rendezvous. You will be sorely missed by all whose lives to which you added colour, excitement and provocation. May your next journey be as fulfilling and remarkable as the one you have left behind. Perjalanan yang bagus.

May Jim's spirit be soaring with the eagles high over the Himal at the dawn of every new day. May his spirit, enthusiasm for life, endurance, sense of tradition and adventure remain among those of us who were privileged to know him till our own passing.
May the legacy he has left behind with his writings and photos inspire the next generation of Australians to achieve their life long ambitions as well. 

Goodbye Jim. You always left us wondering if we could do more, strive harder and have a different look at the view to see if we had missed any thing. As CO of Commando's I would have been happy to drop you and 2CDO into Burma In1942; they would have followed you to a man and Orde Wingate would have welcomed you! I am glad to have put you together with Collette in the early days! Best thing ever. Thanks for your friendship and guidance.You were loved by many, you made a real mark and you will live on. Marty HS

Vale Jim, it was a great journey while it lasted. Many early starts, heavy packs, hard days and freezing nights, mixed in with a liberal dose of fear. But much laughter and mischief. In all great memories and great friendship. Bon voyage Min

I only had the pleasure of meeting Jim once and then a couple of phone calls, but what an impression he made and more than backed up the stories that I had heard. Like many I read and shared his Crisis Manual and referenced his name in corporate meetings as a recognised SME reference point. A life of such adventure and exhilaration seemingly lost in such a manner just seems a bit unfair. RIP, Jim.