| |
|
|
The Magic of Life! This is Jim's
Story - the story of a well-known Australian 1950's entertainer who
contracted the life threatening polio virus when at the height of his
public popularity. This is the story of his fight to survive. A controversial
autobiography which also provides valuable information for those seeking
quality in their lives. An inspiring story but also one that reveals many valuable clues on how to survive the challenges that life throws at each and everyone of us. ESCAPE FROM THE IRON LUNG could have been the title of Jim's book. It surprisingly opens by taking us to Kenya, and the filming of little girls held down by their 'loved ones' to be mutilated for life. In his personal escape to life and love story, Jim equates this clitoral mutilation with the results of what he calls 'psychological circumcision', going on almost unnoticed and still happening to the young in our own society. Here are some quotes from Jim's 'Magic': It's
one thing giving young people information; it's another thing to pass
on an attitude. 'Magic of Life' is available for purchase as an immediate manuscript download (Pdf format) or by mail order as a hard cover book. Purchases can be made using the shopping buttons at right. At right, we've also included some links to a number of other multi-media resources on Jim's life. This includes his 40 minute 1996 interview on radio 3LO with Doug Aiton. Here is one sample extract when Jim talks about polio and his disability: Doug
Aiton: How do you feel about being 78? Doug
Aiton: Has your disability impaired your enjoyment of life a great deal? Doug
Aiton: And you don't ever get angry about the fact that polio so cruelly
inflicted you? Very Lucky? Indeed! But Jim and those close to him also know he wasn't alone - he could not have achieved what he did without the love and care of his life long partner Beth - the 'Number One' Lady in Jim's Square Dance Exhibition Set, and herself the focus of public admiration for her courage, determination and devotion in nursing Jim through the after effects of polio whilst also coping with her three children's medical problems, when aged only in her late twenties - in 1955, The Argus awarded Beth "Mrs. Housewife of the Year", whilst the magazine Woman's Day and Home wrote a lead article titled "The Testing of Beth Vickers-Willis" (click to open Pdf of this article). Here is a potted summary of Jim's Story: Jim Vickers-Willis Born
Mill Hill, England -16th July, 1918
|
or
More on Jim's life story:
|
All materials on this site are Copyright©Vickers-Willis Corporation, 2008
Listen
to Doug Aiton's interview of Jim Vickers-Willis (40 minutes). Jim
reflects on his life whilst guest DJ on Melbourne's Radio 3LO, aged
78. 
Aged
84, Jim riding his tricycle for the George Negus Tonight Show 2002 (1
minute)
View
Jim's Photo Gallery