Jim was a pupil at Stockport Grammar School from 1955 to 1961, joining the Senior school from King Edward VI GS, Southampton when his father’s job took the family north.

Upon leaving SGS, Jim read Economics at The London School of Economics. Jim chose the BSc (Econ) degree at LSE because its Maths content led to it offering the most exemptions from the Fellowship examinations of the Institute of Actuaries - an FIA.

At LSE Jim learnt to race Merlin Rocket dinghies at its sailing club at Welsh Harp reservoir. He went on to race Fireballs at Shoreham SC. He was also a golfer.

However, he was set on becoming an Actuary and joined the Life Dept of the Alliance insurance company working at its HQ in Horsham. He qualified as an FIA in five years and rose to be Managing Director (at Royal and Sun Alliance as it became). 

He is survived by Helen, his wife of 40 years; by his two sons, Justin and Dominic, from his first marriage to Sarah. He also leaves his stepson Alan and stepdaughter Joanna; and was grandfather to seven grandchildren.

He will be very much missed.