Family and friends farewell former Chronicle manager

James Eric Muddle was born in Dungog on September 23, 1964 to Joy and Charles Muddle.

James spent his early childhood years living in Lord Street where he attended Dungog Infants, Primary and high schools.

Following his early years of education he attended Tocal Agricultural College where his interest in journalism was born.

From there, Mr Muddle went on to become the manager of the Dungog Chronicle in 1986 and lead the paper until 1992.

This helped establish his lifelong career and interest in communications.

Following his time at the Chronicle Mr Muddle went on to work at the NSW Department of Conservation and Land, now the Department of Industry, and stayed in that position for over 30 years.

In 2005 Mr Muddle said goodbye to Dungog and moved to Morpeth and then to Lorn in 2011.

Moving to Lorn, he and his wife, Jo, purchased and restored a heritage home however he remained a country boy at heart.

Mr Muddle brought his love of horse riding into his family's life, sharing that passion with his wife and eventually his daughter Isabella.

Alongside his career in communications and journalism Mr Muddle was accomplished in many other areas including training as a pilot, leather work and restoring old cars. However his true passion was his family, showing dedication to them through the years.

Mr Muddle passed away on Wednesday, February 7.

Mr Muddle was the husband of Jo, father and step-father to Isabella and Thomas and the son of Joy and Charles.

Mr Muddle's family and friends farewelled him at a service in St James Anglican Church, Morpeth on Friday, February 16..