Apart from his very original and excellent style of singing, it's 50 years since Jim, with others (not me) started the Beacon folk club in South Shields, which became the Marsden club soon after.
First guest was Cyril Tawney, who returned for the 25th anniversary, I remember his initial commemt that it was good to be back in the Jimnasium- reason being that other residents included Jim, me, Jim Irvine and the late Jim Boyles.
We were privileged to hear and meet some of the greats of traditional music at that time such as Maggie Barry, Paddy Tunney, Davy Stewart, Willie Scott & Joe Heaney- how's that for a start!
A lot of this was due to Jim's booking policy and all I can say is Thanks Jim- wish I could be there....