One of three children, he was from Derbyshire Hill and attended St Vincents Primary School before moving on to St Cuthberts, where he showed an aptitude for the oval ball game.
He started with Bold Miners and played for Pilks Recs and Thatto Heath in the amateur game, together with a semi-professional spell with Huyton and later, Runcorn Highfield where the tough and skilful number 9 also captained the team.
Former Recs’ hooker Geoff Gormley recalls: “He was not the biggest in stature, but his enthusiasm and work rate was phenomenal.
“He was a ‘busy’ player, who would follow the ball, a real hard worker in the loose.”
Jimmy finished his career with Pilkington Recs and his bond with the club was the stuff of legend.
“His love for the club ran deep and never wavered,” says current Pilks coach John Rees, “and his presence, whether as a player, a mentor, or simply a familiar face around the place, he helped shape the character of Pilkington Recs for those of us that were coming through the system in the 90s and 00s.
“He was respected by everyone who crossed his path. Just the response from speaking to players since his passing speaks volumes.
“Everyone, whilst saddened by the news, has recalled a story with warmth and joy, a reflection of the impact he had on people.
” My first memory of Jimmy came when our 18s stepped up into open age.
“He was the second team coach at the time, but in truth he was everything: water boy, physio, kitman, organiser, and any other role you could think of.
“If something needed doing, Jimmy did it.
“He helped make the transition into Open Age easier simply by being the steady, reassuring presence he always was.”
Jimmy began his working life with an apprenticeship at Capper Neil’s and then worked for Rockware before being a valued self-employed welder, which included many contracts in other countries in his resume.
His wife, Roberta, recalls how he was always into personal fitness and until the diagnosis of his illness in 2019, he would regularly go down to Lowe House gym with his mates.
“He formed friendships that showed exactly what rugby league can give you,” adds John Rees.
“His bond with ‘Arthur’ and ‘Tupper’ was something special, built on respect and the kind of loyalty that only comes from years spent shoulder to shoulder.
“The three of them were a reminder that rugby league isn’t just about the games you play; it’s about the people you meet.”
Jimmy was a regular on the Open Age bus with for many years and remained a popular character at Pilks Recs, with his dry sense of humour.
John Rees again said: “No matter what the results were like, Jimmy was always a supporter of the team.
“Win, lose or draw, he was there with the same encouragement and the same pride in the lads who pulled on the shirt.
“That was Jimmy: always doing his bit, always putting the team first, always showing what loyalty to a club really looks like.
“Jimmy’s love for Pilks was matched only by the affection and respect the club had for him.”
He is survived by his wife, Roberta; daughter Lisa and her husband Peyman, together with grandchildren Leila and Jasmine.
Jimmy’s funeral is on 21 May at St Helens Crematorium, followed by a celebration of his life at the Police Club in Bishop Road.