The loss of Jim was very sad. He was a good personal friend who had a great love of traditional music and a large store of songs. I played with him in the Extra Stout Band from when he joined in 1994 until the band finished in 2009. We played many Caelis, barn dances, concerts and backing events. He was a pleasure to play music with as he had a fine natural understanding of how to lift and bring out the best in a tune with his guitar backing. Jim, of course , continued to play and sing in different venues and with the Button Street Badger Band but I also continued to play music with him at his home. He also seemed to devour books and had a store of historical knowledge particularly of Ancient History. He will be greatly missed.