Jim and wife Molly were guests of honour at our Association dinner just a short few days ago where his 30 years' service were acknowledged and marked with a special presentation. He addressed the company himself and paid a moving tribute to all the people who had sent good wishes during his illness. He left Eglinton that night to a standing ovation.
Jim was also an accomplished musician, and was renowned throughout the North West as a music teacher, particularly in the accordion. He was fiercely proud of his students' achievements and the fact that his teaching crossed borders and divides. It is however for cricket, and particularly umpiring that we will remember him best.
When introducing Jim at our dinner I recounted a personal story, and one which I will remember for the rest of my own days. The first Senior One game I umpired was at Eglinton v Strabane and Jim was my colleague. After the game he got both sets of players gathered around and told them that it was my first game. He then insisted that I get a round of applause and out of fear/respect for Jim, they obliged. It wasn't the action of course, but the though that went into it. So typical of Jim.
He had a great rapport with players and supporters and he definitely enjoyed life. Jim insists the highlight of his umpiring career was the Senior Cup final between Limavady and Eglinton at the beginning of the nineties, but there have been plenty more.
Jim's loss is a massive blow to the Umpires Association and we extend our fullest sympathy to Molly and the family circle. As he left the dinner earlier this month he stopped with a few of us and his parting words were "the friends you make in cricket are friends for life…"
I can think of no better epitaph.

Rest in Peace Jim.
Lawrence Moore
North West Umpires and Scorers