It is with sadness we learnt of the death of Jim in Leeds Infirmary aged 80 years. Jim, who in recent years has lived in Harrogate, played 78 times for the HRUFC First XV in the years 1953 to 1958, having to retire early from the game with a serious neck injury. The Abbey family, along with his cousins the Netherwoods, were strongly involved in the formative years of the Club and Jim continued with this commitment. He will be remembered for his organisation with the Finance Committee of the ”Ox Roast” in the late 1950s when funds were required to purchase the Junior team grounds at Waterloo on which the supermarket was built. This was followed with his involvement in the organisation of two further successful fundraisers ”The Donkey Derbies”.
Jim leaves his wife Judy, a son Tom , daughter Jane and three granddaughters. A memorial service will be held at Rudding Park Chapel, Harrogate on Tuesday, 23rd July at 2pm.
