In 1971/72. I was a 13/14 year old boy when I first met Jim. This came about as a result of Cath going out one night in Rotherham Town centre with friends for a drink. At the end of the night Cath came home to Broom Road and was enthralled with a gorgeous man she had met. His name was James, he had long wavy hair and hailed from the valleys of Wales. Additionally, he could competently pronounce the name of the railway station which had the longest name in world which was in Wales. He was employed as a stone and grave fitter and she was to bring him home for a formal introduction to the family. I was surprised about the job he did and I had never considered there may be people working in this field. But obviously he was performing an essential service for many.

Cath announced subsequently that Jim was to be brought home for introductions at the first available opportunity which was the coming weekend. I thought this would be somewhat of an experience for Jim and thought he would need to feel relaxed when he arrived. I thought a great tonic to relax Jim was to make light of his job and have a few jokes with him regarding his trade. Hence, I mentally prepared my repertoire of jokes and the like all relating to his unusual craft.

The weekend quickly arrived and Jim was introduced to all the family present. I was the last to be introduced to him, being the youngest.

He was offered and accepted a drink of tea after which I decided it was time to launch my presentation in the dark theme. After a couple of minutes Jim appeared to be distant and his face held a concerned look as I lead with my best material. Undeterred by his blank expression. I carried on for around another twenty five minutes but the humour, I thought, was apparently lost on Jim. At that point I gave up the proverbial ghost and left the room to go with my friends. I never talked about this first meeting at Broom Road with Jim and put it down to life experience.

In October 2019 Colleen and myself visited Jim and Cath. We had been talking about things in general during which the conversation went towards Jim's first introduction to the family at Broom Road. I mentioned the macabre humour supplied my me and Jim said, "Yes, what was that all about". I informed him that when Cath arrived home on the first night they had met. She gave us the aforementioned information about him and that his employ was a stone and grave fitter. Hence all the jokes when he first came to our home. At this Jim burst into laughter and said, "There was a disco in the pub where we were talking. I did not say I was a stone and grave fitter. I told her I was a stove and grate fitter". At which point the laughter continued.

Jim was a great bloke who loved so many people and things in his life, Cath, family, friends, food, lager, wine, gardening, rugby, darts etc.

He will be sadly missed but never forgotten. May he rest in peace.