James Perrins Major, (Jimmy to his friends) was born on 22 December 1878, the son of F Major. He was educated at Cumloden, whence he went to the University of Melbourne, graduating in medicine in 1901. He spent several years on the resident staff of the Alfred Hospital, thus beginning a very long association with the Hospital, being appointed honorary physician to outpatients 1908-24, having obtained MD in 1905, and physician to inpatients 1924 until his retirement in 1939.

He conducted a private practice in Prahran for some years and held the posts of medical officer of health, and tuberculosis officer. He was greatly respected by patients and colleagues, and later established himself in consultant practice. He was particularly interested in tuberculosis and served as visiting physician to the Repatriation Hospital and Sanatorium. He served in the Second AIF as lieutenant-colonel commanding the hospital ship Oranje 1941-43.

Jimmy Major was most active in the affairs of the BMA, being elected to the Victorian branch council in 1922, and served until his death. He was honorary secretary 1931-35, and president (Victorian branch) in 1938, and served as chairman of the ethics committee 1933 to 1961. In 1935 he was appointed organising secretary of the 103rd annual meeting of the British Medical Association, in Melbourne in 1935 - which must have been a prodigious task. The honour of Commander of the British Empire was conferred on him in 1937.

Jim Major married Beatrice, daughter of JL Williams, and they had two daughters and a son. His son was killed in action with the AIF, and his wife and one of his daughters pre-deceased him. Jimmy Major was a tall, dignified figure, and had a high sense of responsibility, being upright in his nature as well as his figure. Friendly and caring, he was loved and honoured by all; and, being without eccentricities, made you feel welcome and at ease in his company.