I was only 11 at the time but can remember as though it was only yesterday sitting at my Grandma’s devouring gran’s lousy stew (which actually was the best stew in the world) with uncle Ken and uncle Jim waiting to go to the North End, coming back after the match either to commiserate or celebrate the win
No matter the result Uncle Jim had many harsh words regarding the Referee and if there was a poor decision during the match Uncle Jim’s derisive calls could be heard towering above the crowd of 35,00 all-round the ground his favourite insult, ‘you’re a duck egg ref’ (how times have changed). I look back now some 65 years and am grateful for the many hours of great times I had during my childhood with Auntie Glad and Uncle Jim.
Pauline (my wife) favourite memory of Uncle Jim was a visit along with Auntie Glad to the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool (UK) and being waltzed around the floor by Uncle Jim who had not lost his enthusiasm or style for ballroom dancing – how Pauline loved that afternoon a memory she will always treasure.
I was fortunate to have recently managed a short visit to Calgary with my daughter Nicola and spent many a happy hour in Uncle Jim’s company and managing to get him out of the house to visit one of his favourite places in the Rockies.
Great fabulous memories of Uncle Jim a better Uncle no one could wish for, you might wonder why at the age of 77 I still call 'Jim' Uncle Jim, perhaps that out of great respect for a great man and a great uncle.
Uncle Jim is at peace and will be no doubt looking up his hero Sir Tom Finney for his autograph and a quick kick about.
