Born on the Headland, Jim attended Prissick Infant School, Baltic Street Juniors and Henry Smith Grammar School, forging friendships which have endured to the present time.

Jim was a member of the 1st. Hartlepool Company Boy's Brigade, commencing a life-time connection with those many friends associated with B.B.O.B. R.F.C.
On leaving school Jim first worked at the Hartlepool Mail before making a career within the Sportsfields Provision Business. During his working life and into retirement he served on the Hartlepool Borough Council and the Headland Parish Council.
Jim was a talented footballer, captaining the Baltic Street Junior School side and the Boy's Brigade Company team. At this time, attending Henry Smith School meant there was no choice but to play rugby and the oval ball was in Jim's blood. His grandfather, also called Jim, was a member of the Hartlepool Rovers Team which won the Durham Senior Cup in 1907 and played for the County XV on ten occasions up to 1913.

Hartlepool Athletic would become the club to benefit most from the dedication and commitment Jim gave to Hartlepool rugby. Football skills made Jim a regular choice at stand-off and partner to Athletic stalwart Malcolm Boagey. Playing days were followed by many years of club management and administration. Jim represented his club on the Durham County Committee and in due course was elected President of Durham County R.F.U.

Despite the efforts made by the Hartlepool Athletic Committee to sustain activities, by 2011 this was no longer possible and the decision was taken to cease as a rugby club. A sad day for Jim, loyal servants of 'The Ath' and Hartlepool Rugby.
The spirit of 'The Ath' was transferred to 'Brigade' in the form of Matty Thornton, a winger turned enigmatic try scoring hooker for the Headland side. Season 2022-23 saw him join the exclusive B.B.O.B. Century Try Scorers Club and in current form he may make the double century!

Jim made further contributions to Hartlepool rugby, serving as Chairman of the Hartlepool and District Rugby Committee and supporting Secretary and close friend Chris McLoughlin
The season 2005-06 was indeed a memorable one for Jim, BBOB and Hartlepool Rugby.
Pre-season preparations included a match at the Friarage to celebrate the visit of the New Zealand 'All Blacks' during there first tour of Britain in 1905. Then, a combined Rovers/West XV were outplayed by fifteen tries to nil before a crowd of some ten thousand astonished rugby enthusiasts.

Jim was appointed President of Durham County R.F.U. for the season 2006-06 and plans had been made to raise a President's New Zealand Expats XV to meet a B.B.O.B. Hartlepool Select XV on the 20th November 2005. However in October 2005 Jim suffered a heart attack whilst watching Athletic against B.B.O.B. at King GeorgeV Field. Thankfully he quickly recovered and was able to take part in The 'All Blacks' Celebration Match which highlighted the importance Hartlepool rugby in the history of the game.

It was always a pleasure to invite Jim to our club presentation evenings, to note his words of wisdom and his values of dedication, team spirit and club loyalty.
We remember Jim with affection, respect and gratitude for his life-long association and support for 'Brigade'

Ian Fletcher President Hartlepool B.B.O.B. R.F.C.
R.I.P. Jim'
'We Have An Anchor'

The Funeral Service for Jim will be held at the Parish Church of St. Hilda, the Headland Tuesday December 2nd at 12.00 noon