By the time I was born, Jim had already retired. But his remarkable career still left an impression on me. When I was older he would, over a second or third cup of tea, tell me stories of his involvement in the UK’s nuclear deterrent project and his later business dealings with Russia and China. I greatly admire his professional integrity and sense of civic duty. I can only hope that one day, I too will be able to make such valuable contributions.

Jim’s most precious gift, however, was simply all the wonderful childhood memories he made possible. I remember how delighted I was when, at age five, I got to stay with Jim and Beryl for a few months while my mother arranged our move back to the UK from the US. Jim went out of his way to keep my sister and I entertained, taking us to the beach, driving us around in the trailer attached to his tractor mower and setting up a sand pit and a swing set in the garden for us to play with. I quickly acquired Jim’s love of apple crumble, a treat that I enjoy to this day and that always makes me think of him.

My stay at Southfields house came to an end too soon. But Jim remained an important presence in my life. He would regularly invite us to his beautiful time share in the lake district, bringing along an inflatable dingy for us kids to paddle down the nearby river. When we were old enough he let Alex and I take turns driving his beloved mower – under his close supervision of course. One year on bonfire night, he kept us entertained by setting off fireworks from the top of the garden.  

Every year I eagerly awaited Christmas day, when Jim and Beryl would host the family for lunch. They would roast some of the biggest birds I’ve ever seen and Jim would meticulously carve the meat into perfect slices. We would spend the rest of the day playing board games and trying to finish the leftovers. These are traditions that I hope to pass down to my children and grandchildren.

Jim was a patient teacher. During the summers, he showed me how to tend to his vegetable plots and enrolled me to help him build a new garden fence. He was perfectly capable of doing this himself of course, and I probably slowed him down more than I helped. But he was eager to share his knowledge with his grandchildren.

I am eternally grateful for Jim’s unwavering support throughout my life. He saw the best in me, even during my sometimes rocky teenage years, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand. When I was struggling to concentrate on my A-level revision, he kindly offered to let me stay with him and Beryl for a couple of weeks, where I was able to study distraction free.

Finally, I will remember Jim as a loving and caring husband. His devotion toward Beryl, something that I never saw waver from when I was a young boy all the way until his last moments, did not go unnoticed by myself and others, including my wife – who has often remarked that she hopes our marriage can be as joyful and long lasting as theirs.

Jim, thank you for giving me so many precious memories and for being such a wonderful role-model as a husband, a father and a grandfather. You will continue to be a guiding force in my life and I hope I can live up to the example that you have set. You will be sorely missed.