Jesse James

Jesse Clifford James, 85, of Royal Wootton Bassett, who died after a short illness, was a devoted family man who had fulfilled key roles in the local community. He was a former chairman of the Gardening Club and the Historical Society, a voluntary guide at the Town Hall Museum and a Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator. He loved the countryside, and helped to maintain the ancient right of way along the Ridgeway.

Mr James, originally from Swindon, was one of his parents' eight children, who were raised in a three-bedroom house. He left school at the age of 14, during the war, and was apprenticed in the grocery trade, at the International Stores.

He did National Service with the RAF in Germany, and after contracting pleurisy was sent to Austria to recuperate. There he developed a love of walking in the countryside.

On return to civilian life he resumed work at the International Stores and found romance with a colleague Doreen Simpkins. They married, and lived in rented rooms at New Road before moving to Rylands Way, where the birth of their son, Stuart, prompted purchase of a sidecar for Mr James' motorbike.

Mr James gained promotion to become store manager at Bampton, where the family lived in a flat over the shop, in the years when some notable customers insisted on being served by the manager, rather than by an assistant.

Mr James left International Stores for a new post as sales representative for United Biscuits, and the family moved to Alderbury, near Salisbury. Suitably equipped with a Ford Anglia, bowler hat and briefcase, he became a popular caller at the many shops he visited on business.

Holidays in Austria were enjoyed, and he bought a Tyrolean hat. H e became a keen gardener and also kept chickens, for their eggs.

The family returned to the Swindon area, where daughter Joanne was born, and they lived in the same house at Wootton Bassett for nearly 50 years.

The Rev Sarah Simpson, who read the family's tributes, told the large congregation at the United Reformed Church of Mr James' pride in escorting his daughter on her wedding day. "His family was his pride and joy," she said.

His four grandchildren, Tom, Sarah, Louise and Emma, were a great delight to Mr James and his wife, who spent happy hours in their company.

Jesse James was always ready to help other people. He was loving, intelligent and popular. He encouraged his family to enjoy gardening, chess and the world of nature, and to develop good manners.

After the burial at Royal Wootton Bassett Cemetery, the family invited friends to share refreshments and further reminiscences at Marsh Farm Hotel.

Memorial donations for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Prospect Hospice may be send c/o Johnson & Daltrey Independent Funeral Service 112, High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett SN4 7AU.