Tributes to former Carrickfergus Rugby Club president Jim Simms

Carrickfergus Rugby Football Club has with sadness annnounced the death of trustee and former president Jim Simms.
Jim Simms.Jim Simms.
Jim Simms.

Jim, who was one of the most popular figures around the Woodburn Road-based club in the Co Antrim town, died suddenly yesterday (Wednesday) evening.

In a statement on the club’s Facebook page, Carrickfergus RFC said: “Jim was heavily involved in the club for many years and had various roles within the club. One of the most notable being the touch judge in 1982 when the 1XV won the Centenary Towns Cup and the Junior Cup to make the final of the Senior Cup.

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“Jim was involved with the 7s (an annual festival of sevens rugby over the May bank holiday weekend) for 16 years and only in the past few years stepped down from his position as 7s Committee Convenor but remained a vital part of the committee.”

Jim Simms (right) with legendary rugby player, the late Jack Kyle at a Carrick Rugby 7s launch.Jim Simms (right) with legendary rugby player, the late Jack Kyle at a Carrick Rugby 7s launch.
Jim Simms (right) with legendary rugby player, the late Jack Kyle at a Carrick Rugby 7s launch.

A stalwart of the club, the statement went on to note, Jim, a retired businessman, had a particular acumen for fundraising.

“Jim’s favourite thing to do was chase people for money for the various fundraising efforts within the club!

“We will miss Jim desperately and as a whole club we offer his family, wife Jean, son Michael, daughter Emma, son-in-law Tom, daughter-in-law Jen, grandsons Tyrone and Callum, as well as his friends, our deepest condolences.”

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Jim, who ran a newsagent’s shop at Carrickfergus Train Station before retiring a number of years ago, was respected for his commitment to the town too. This was reflected in the many tributes paid on social media from sports clubs and the wider community.

Portadown Rugby Football Club said: “Sincere condolences from your friends at PRFC.”

There were similar messages on behalf of Larne RFC, Belfast Harlequins and Donaghadee RFC.

Individuals also recalled with fondness “a true Carrick legend” and a gentleman who “always had time for everyone and always had a smile on his face”.

Jim Simms’s funeral service will take place this Saturday (March 14) at noon in North Street Presbyterian Church, Carrickfergus, followed by interment in Ballycarry,