Updated: November 17, 2025
Hey there, friends! If you’re a fan of Australian rock royalty like me, you know Jimmy Barnes as the gravel-voiced legend behind Cold Chisel hits. But behind every great rocker is an even greater partner, and that’s Jane Barnes—his rock-solid wife of over 40 years. Jane’s not just Jimmy’s anchor; she’s a force of nature herself, raising a blended family of seven kids and 15 grandkids with grace and grit. Today, we’re diving deep into “Jane Barnes parents”—the incredible duo (and a bit more) who shaped her into the resilient, family-first woman she is. From Thai palaces to diplomatic postings, their story is one of adventure, heartbreak, and unbreakable bonds. Let’s unpack it, shall we?
Table of Contents
Kusumphorn Visuthipol: The Fiery Spirit Who Lit Jane’s Path
Picture this: a glamorous Thai-Chinese beauty, bilingual and bold, born into a sprawling family of 26 siblings as the daughter of a wealthy merchant with seven wives. That’s Jane’s mum, Kusumphorn—affectionately called Phorn—who grew up in Bangkok’s bustling compounds, surrounded by cousins, aunties, and endless Thai feasts. Sent to boarding school in England, she blossomed into a world traveler with a wilful streak a mile wide.
Phorn’s life was anything but ordinary. She met her first husband young, but more on that soon. What stands out is how she instilled in Jane a fierce love for extended family. “She was strong, very much her own person,” Jane once shared, crediting her mum’s independence for her own lioness-like protectiveness. Sadly, Phorn passed away peacefully in May 2022 at a time she loved—autumn—surrounded by family singing her favorites. Tributes poured in, with Jimmy calling her a woman who “made our lives richer.” Even now, Jane honors her with champagne toasts and caviar nights, a nod to Phorn’s elegant tastes.
- Key Traits: Adventurous, loving, unapologetically herself—Phorn taught Jane that family is your safety net.
- Fun Fact: As one of 26 kids, Phorn’s Bangkok reunions were epic; Jane still visits Thailand twice a year to keep that flame alive.
Suvit Dejakasaya: The Early Flames and a Tough Goodbye
Jane’s story starts in 1958 Bangkok, born to Phorn and Suvit Dejakasaya, a dashing young Thai man she met while studying in the UK. Their whirlwind romance sparked quickly—three daughters in rapid succession: Jane (the eldest), Jep, and Kaye. It was a passionate match, but like many young loves, it burned hot and fizzled fast. By the time Jane was four, the marriage ended in a messy divorce, with fierce custody battles that Phorn won hands down.
Don’t get me wrong—this wasn’t a fairy tale gone wrong; it was real life in a supportive Thai family web. Jane recalls the compound’s chaos as a buffer: multiple kitchens, endless playmates, and adults who stepped up without judgment. Suvit’s role faded into the background, but that early stability? It built Jane’s confidence. As the big sister shuttling her siblings to Australia at age five, she learned responsibility young.
John Mahoney: The Diplomat Dad Who Wove Global Threads
Enter John Mahoney, the Australian diplomat who stole Phorn’s heart during his Bangkok posting. Their love story? Straight out of a rom-com—rekindled after her divorce, leading to a big move to Canberra in 1963. John became the steady hand Jane needed, raising her and her sisters through a whirlwind of postings: Rome, Russia, New Guinea, even tiny Kiribati. Jane picked up languages like souvenirs, acing maths amid the mayhem.
Fast-forward to real-time: John just celebrated his 89th birthday in July 2025, surprising him at the gym with the whole crew for a heartfelt lunch. Granny Violet, John’s mum, added that warm Aussie touch with Sunday roasts and scones, blending cultures seamlessly. John’s influence? He showed Jane the world is vast, but home is wherever family gathers.
Here’s a quick Family Tree Snapshot table to visualize the roots:
| Name | Relation to Jane | Key Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Kusumphorn Visuthipol (Phorn) | Mother | Thai-Chinese heritage; passed 2022; one of 26 siblings; loved travel & autumn. |
| Suvit Dejakasaya | Biological Father | Met in UK; father of three daughters; marriage ended 1962. |
| John Mahoney | Stepfather (Dad) | Australian diplomat; turned 89 in 2025; global postings shaped Jane’s worldview. |
| Jep Mahoney | Sister | Younger sib; married to musician Diesel (Mark Lizotte). |
| Kaye Mahoney | Sister | Artist; runs gallery in Sydney with Jane’s family. |
Blended Beginnings: How Jane’s Parents Forged Her Family-First Heart
Jane’s parents weren’t perfect—divorces, dementia battles, globe-trotting goodbyes—but they gifted her a blueprint for love. Phorn’s wild spirit met John’s quiet strength, creating a home that valued resilience over perfection. Today, with Jimmy, Jane echoes this in their Southern Highlands haven: Sunday dinners for 30, guitar jams with grandkids, and that “baby whisperer” magic for the little ones.
- Lessons Learned: Prioritize kin—whether 26 siblings or 15 grandkids.
- Modern Twist: Jane’s co-written cookbook Where the River Bends (2020) blends Thai-Aussie recipes, a tasty tribute to her roots.
- Recent Vibes: Amid 2025’s family milestones, like niece Ruby’s rising stardom, Jane’s legacy thrives.
Conclusion: Roots That Run Deep
Jane Barnes’ parents remind us that family isn’t a straight line—it’s a vibrant tapestry of cultures, comebacks, and endless love. From Bangkok’s bustling lanes to Canberra’s crisp air, Kusumphorn, Suvit, and John’s stories fueled Jane’s journey, making her the heartbeat of the Barnes clan. In a world that spins fast, their tale whispers: Hold tight to your people. What’s your favorite family legacy? Drop it in the comments—let’s chat!