“He was a wonderful character – and will be sorely missed”

Warm tributes have been paid to a popular Eastbourne sporting character who died suddenly last month.

Father of four Jim Cumming died on Thursday July 29 at the age of 83 following a short illness.

Jim spent the latter part of his life working at The Saffrons as a groundsman and the weekend following his death, members of the cricket team wore black armbands during their game and the venue’s flag was lowered to half mast.

Born in Chipping Norton, Jim was one of six children, whose family travelled the country tending sheep before settling in East Dean.

He met his wife Dee at The Sundowners and after the couple married in 1973, they moved to Cavendish Avenue where they brought up their three sons, Darren, who now lives in Australia, Leon and Elliott.

Jim worked as a coalman, floor screeder, plaster and taxi driver but sport was his main passion and he was captain and groundsman of both the Eight Bells and East Dean cricket teams.

He was a popular figure on the sporting scene and supported many young people as they played football and cricket and was also the driving force to get Eastbourne’s first BMX track for youngsters in Hampden Park.

In later life the couple moved to Pevensey Bay and in recent months Jim discovered his daughter Sharon, who lives in Heathfield.

The Saffrons has paid tribute to Jim’s long and passionate association with the sports club.

Chairman Roger Myall said, “Jim was truly a member of the Saffrons ‘family’ having spent many years at the club both as an employee and a volunteer.

“He served as groundsman in the early 2000s, tending the hallowed turf before earning a well-earned retirement.

“Despite hanging up the tools he remained a willing volunteer, helping each year on Airbourne and Tennis Week car-parking duties as well as an interested spectator in both the football club and cricket club, where all of his boys played their cricket.

“He was a wonderful character, always with a story to tell and a smile. He was always so good to have around and he will be sorely missed by everyone at the club.

Jim’s funeral will be held on Friday August 20 at midday at Wealden Crematorium followed by a celebration of his life at The Saffrons afterwards.

His family has asked for bright coloured clothing to be worn and family flowers only but anyone wishing to donate to a memorial fund to support and encourage young people to take up sport can do so via Co-op Funeral Directors in South Street, Eastbourne.