Jim was like a member of family to many of us, he was an agony Uncle, a confident and a true companion. We’d meet him out of nursery for meals, drinks and parties, no one knew how to party more than Jim Kelly!
Jim started working for nursery in 2000. He started off as a handyman, fixing, repairing, painting, cutting the grass, gardening…you name it…Jim did it!
He was strong willed and would never let a task beat him, you would often hear Irish chuntering and moaning but he’d always get the job done.
Jim was also personal taxi for the staff, if they were needed at other sites Jim would take them, he would take them on training, take them shopping, give them a lift home…anywhere you needed to go Jim would take you.
He drove the mini bus in the past on numerous occasions but as the years went on his age prevented him from continuing.
Jim also used to dress up as Santa for the children’s Christmas parties, how the children didn’t recognise his Irish charm I’ll never know!
While doing all of these odd jobs Jim always had time for the children, entertaining them with his silly songs! Jim could entertain a room full of children by singing his Irish ditties…the children were mesmorised by him!
Early in 2014 Jim was knocked over in Eastwood, he was seriously injured and it literally knocked him off his feet for weeks. It was a very worrying time for us all, fortunately he made a good recovery and returned to work at the nursery.
The accident really took it’s toll on Jim and things became more difficult for him, however he would still carry out even the most strenuous tasks through sheer stubbornness and determination!
Jim wasn’t just a handy man, he was our favourite man, a true gentleman and a man that has left a massive hole in all our hearts. Jim was kind, caring and always knew how to make you smile no matter how sad you were.
Over 18 years of Irish charm, stories, songs and laughs, he was and still is a legend.
As Jim Kelly would say himself…”So now you know…”