Jim was a stalwart of Norwood Circle for many years and is greatly missed by those who knew him, both in and beyond the circle. He was born in 1936 in Faversham, Kent and educated at St Mary's in West Croydon, After school he did his national service in the Navy, then joined the London Fire Brigade where he served for 28 years, before doing ‘The Knowledge’ and becoming a taxi driver.
He met his wife Iris in 1957 and they married in 1959. Sadly, Iris died in 2013. Sadly, Jim died on 29th March, 2020 after the ‘Coronavirus lockdown’ had been implemented. A fitting memorial mass, celebrating his life will be arranged when matters allow
Jim and Iris leave two children, Anne and Peter and 5 grandchildren, and one great grandson.
Derrick Phillips writes: We have known Jim since 1964, Our children grew up together with his and we all had great fun times together. In the 60s Jim and Iris were enthusiastic members of the FSA (Family and Social Apostolate) house group in Waddon. They were also longstanding and active members of David Barrett's Walking Group. He was a particular favourite of all the children, clowning, joking and playing games. A particular memory was the day he did a "Tarzan" act, swinging across a river on the hanging branch of a tree. As a Fireman he was very fit and agile.
Jim could be very competitive! One of his favourite pastimes was the annual Treasure Hunt/Car Rally organised by a group of friends in Waddon. He thoroughly enjoyed the hunt, driving around (often at a hectic pace to the consternation of anyone in his cab) with a burning desire to interpret and find the object of the clues. Jim was also involved in the organisation of a very successful Car Treasure Hunt organised during his VP year.
He joined Norwood Circle in 1983. As a Catenian he was at first pretty reluctant to get up and speak at meetings - until he became Vice President and President 1999-2000 (offices which he approached with some trepidation) but once President he put aside his worries and became a forcible speaker, not afraid to express his opinion. He was an excellent President. He also became a prolific visitor to other Circles, even when he was in his wheelchair. Great courage, while in great pain. At Provincial Weekends he again was a great favourite with the children, playing games and clowning around with them.
He and Iris also became members of the Croydon Circle of the Newman Association until his sad leg operations
Jim was a fervent supporter of Crystal Palace Football Club. His great joy was when they reached the FA Cup Final.
For some years he and Iris and then he on his own was very dependent on a much-appreciated Carer. His children Anne and Peter were devoted to him and gave him loving support and he took great pleasure in his grandchildren.
John Woodhouse recalls visiting him in Guys hospital after his leg was amputated. He was so positive about life and he often insisted on walking up to receive communion at Mass. In later years he was confined to a wheelchair but this did not stop him as he had the car adapted. As he had been a taxi driver he was not an easy passenger and as a result I once took the wrong motorway coming back from Kent on a road I knew really well. However he did introduce me to an excellent route to Kent which I have used many times!
Simon Grummitt writes: I also visited him in Guys. He said that there was a very kind Doctor who was going to take him out for a drink and that .he was going to become legless! That was Jim all over. May he rest in peace.
Brendan Foley writes: What a character Jim was. One of the hairiest things one could experience was being driven by him when visiting other circles.
In my time as a Catenian Jim introduced a commendable number of new brothers from Addiscombe parish including Declan O’Hara.He will be greatly missed. Catena June 2020
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