Jim was a character. Full of life even in his 80's. He loved his holidays abroad, the visits to the pub meals with his companion Judy, drinks with his mates at his local, and catching up with his family. His outlook on life was to get on and enjoy it! Jim was a keen and talented footballer in his earlier years. A good cricketer and Sheffield ‘Star’ walker. He worked down the mines, changed jobs to the steel works and then self-employment, after Margaret Thatcher curtailed many jobs round here in the 80's. He set up one of the first video rental businesses and moved into Race-nights providing entertainment, and helping clubs and groups to raise their own funds! He was a volunteer himself, he joined the Mines Rescue in the pits, he became a union rep speaking out against unsafe mining practices. In the steel works he couldn't believe they didn't have a first aid box following accident and ended up setting a union branch up again to protect his workmates. Outside of work he helped run with others St Patrick’s football club in Sheffield with several teams, men’s and junior teams. Jim looked after his wife Doreen when she fell ill with MS, and this was far from easy with some difficult latter years. Jim loved to travel, getting the bug from his Dad. There were many other holiday adventures including the one to Rome with Doreen in her wheelchair. We joked did you meet the pope when they got back and he said yes and produced the picture, he got chatting to a priest, like you do near the Vatican, who arranged the opportunity! Jim was always there for everyone, the kids and grand-kids. He was always open to new adventures, and encouraged all of us to make the most of life. In his 70's, after Doreen passed away he went to see Mick (his son) in Australia. At 84 when his grandson got his pilot license, he got in a 4 seater plane to fly with him. No mean act to actually get in to the plane without breaking the wing, but no hesitation to fly with a smile on his phone! As a family we couldn't be prouder of Jim, he will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. So raise a glass to Jim on his latest adventure. We're sure he would enjoy that. Life is for living he would no doubt say and he certainly did that!

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