James P Shields

The sad news is that James P Shields (always Jim but he had his Sunday title to differentiate him from the younger version) died on Saturday night. Jim joined the club in the 1930's and came on to the Committee in 1938 as Assistant Secretary. This was a working position where he was responsible for taking the Minutes, organising the half yearly meeting and organising specific club functions. He became secretary in 1944 and had two spells in that office totalling 12 years and also had 9 years as treasurer. He was a committee member for over 40 years and one of the most respected figures in Scottish Athletics. He was actually Vice President of the SAAA and next in line to be President when his employers - Singers' - sent him to assist in the opening of their Indian factory. As a time and motion man, he was valued by his employers but not always appreciated by his workmates! Jim was one of the key club members setting the club up after the war and also in organising the Singers' Sports which always had international stars as chieftain. June Foulds, Olympic sprinter was one such, and Dorothy Lamour, Hollywood film star, was another albeit with more tenuous connections with the Games Circuit! Jim's funeral will be held next week and in view of all he has done and given to the club, a good club presence would be appropriate. I will add details to the blog when they are known.