Summary
A street artist has created his own special tribute to Jim Davis, the pensioner who died after an incident near Waitrose in Cheltenham that led to two teenage boys being arrested on suspicion of murder. The 73-year-old, who was from the town, died on April 10 – two days after he was taken to hospital following the incident in Honeybourne Way, by the Millennium Bridge.
Details
Gloucestershire police had received a report of a serious assault there on April 8. The boys, aged 16 and 17, were arrested in the two days after Mr Davis’ death. No further action is being taken against the 16-year-old but the 17-year-old remains on police bail while their enquiries continue.
Now Andy Dice Davies, the director of the Cheltenham Paint Festival who is known for creating public art across the town, has painted a picture of much-loved Mr Davis on a wall under the bridge. In a post on Facebook, the artist said the death of Mr Davis – known to some people as Lord Jim – had been “a sad and needless waste of life”.
He added: “I was honoured that his family allowed me to paint him near to where he sadly passed. RIP Lord Jim X.” The painting is based on a photograph released on April 16 by Mr Davis’ family members to accompany their tribute to him. In a statement, they said they were devastated by the loss of ‘Jimmy’, who they said was a friend to so many.
They said the motorcycle lover “was one of the kindest people anyone could have the pleasure of meeting” and that he was “caring, compassionate, and always putting others first”. The family also said Mr Davis was naturally warm, had a gift for storytelling, shared his life with great joy and touched a remarkable number of lives.
They added: “Our lives will never be the same without him, and we know that many others will share in the sadness we feel.” Mr Davis’ death shocked many people in Cheltenham and has led to an outpouring of emotion.
A floral tribute has been set up by railings close to the bridge and a note reads ‘R.I.P, Our society should be better than this.’ Commenting on the painting, one man posted on social media: “A great tribute to a great man. His life (being) taken away like this shocked me. “I knew him from work and he was such a kind person that looked out for and cared about everyone he spoke to.
“Such a sad loss and he deserves this picture in his memory. Never forgotten. RIP Jim.” Mr Davis’ death is being investigated by Gloucestershire police’s major crime investigation team.