Colleague recalls contribution to school life

“He was also heavily involved in coaching the school’s soccer teams,” said Mr Mitchell.

“School metalwork was generally a male subject at the time and could be quite a hazardous environment for both pupils and teacher. When you entered his room there was the constant sound of hammering, grinding and the smell of the forge as pupils heated metal to red hot.

“Many boys had their first introduction to metalwork through Jim and he helped shape numerous careers.

“As the years progressed much of the more dangerous elements were taken out of the subject and it became craft, design and technology.

“He became Head of Department until 2001 when he took early retirement to work for the teaching union NASUWT after 34 years service in the school.”