Bikers join ‘Lord Jim’ for his final ride after his tragic death
Summary
Dozens of motorcyclists joined their fellow biker Jim Davis for one final ride after his tragic death. The 73-year-old from Cheltenham died in Gloucestershire Royal Hospital on April 10, two days after an incident near Waitrose that initially led to two teenage boys being arrested on suspicion of murder. Jim was taken to the hospital following the incident in Honeybourne Way, Cheltenham, by the Millennium Bridge.
Details
Gloucestershire police had received a report of a serious assault there on April 8. Now members of the Cossacks motorcycling group have paid their last respects to the man known to many as ‘Lord Jim’. They rode into the car park at Cheltenham Crematorium behind a lone rider who carried Jim’s coffin in a motorcycle sidecar.
The Oak Chapel was packed for the funeral as Jim’s family and friends said their final goodbyes to a much-loved man. A picture of him sitting on a classic Royal Enfield bike was on display during the service. Celebrant Goe Cooper said: “One of his great passions was motorcycles, something that brought him great enjoyment over the years.
He liked the freedom, spirit and joy he found on two wheels.” She said his love for motorcycles began when he was in his teens, never faded and he had a collection of four classic bikes. He had been out on a bikers’ event as recently as March. Goe added: “Jim was a kind, generous, thoughtful and loving man.
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Always putting others before himself and bringing warmth and joy to everyone around him.” Mourners heard that Jim liked old bangers for cars and loved driving. Perhaps not surprisingly, he took a job as a long distance lorry driver – delivering for shower firm Mira and later for an electrical company in Cheltenham. He twice hit the road in a humanitarian capacity, going with a friend to help needy people in Romania.
Goe said: “Throughout his life, Jim had his own way of doing things. He was a free spirit and lived life on his own terms but mainly for others – always putting them before himself.” She said that for the last 20 years his best friend, Jane, had been a huge part of his life and that they had done various things, such as going shopping and visiting places together.
The service heard that Jim had lived in the area for 40 years and a lot of people knew and respected him. He was described as a jolly man, who was a pleasure to be around. Jim’s niece, Catherine Warner, read out her poem called ‘Uncle Jim’.
Its last verse was: Though silence now has filled this place, We still can feel his warmth and grace, In every kindness we pass along, His generous spirit still rides strong. A spokesperson for Gloucestershire police said that a 17-year-old boy remains on police bail while enquiries continue. No further action is being taken against the 16-year-old who was also arrested after the incident.
Report source: Gloucestershire Live