I've just read this, and am so sorry to hear that Jim has passed on.

I also used to paint figurines and competed and judged internationally at many of the European venues where Jim also competed and demonstrated. He was indeed World renowned and for several years was generally recognised as being the best there was. He was largely responsible for the rise in popularity and awareness of German 'flat figures', and I (and others) feel that he never received the recognition that he deserved for this, although he certainly did as an artist, having at some time won just about every competition medal going.

I also used to drink with Jim, Dougie and Ollie in the Engineer. Eric Leggoe, who sang with Threadbare Consort, lived a few doors away and often played string bass with Rural Delivery. I remember a great night when Kenny Baker turned up and jammed with them when Bill Monroe was touring.

RIP, mate.