Everyone connected with Shropshire County Cricket Club is deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Home, a hugely popular figure around the county.
Educated at Newport’s Adams’ Grammar School, Jim played in Shropshire’s very first Minor Counties match against Staffordshire in 1957 under the captaincy of Frank Apperley.
A right-hand bat and off-break bowler, Jim also represented Shropshire the following season, 1958, as the county took their first steps in the competitive Minor Counties Championship.
Jim enjoyed a long playing career in Shropshire club cricket and was a member of the successful Wroxeter & Uppington side in the 1960s and 1970s, with the highlights including reaching the quarter-finals of the National Knockout in 1972.
A number of members of the Home family followed in Jim’s footsteps by also representing Shropshire.
His sons, Guy and Ed, both played for Shropshire, with Guy captaining the county, while Ed is currently Shropshire CCC’s director of cricket.
Jim’s grandchildren, Tom, Charlie, Milly and Jack, have also all played for Shropshire, with Charlie the current county captain.
Shropshire CCC chairman John Hulme said: “We shall all remember Jim with great fondness. His company was enjoyed by so many throughout the county and beyond.
“He was one of the much-valued links to Shropshire’s formative years in the Minor Counties Championship.
“He was a great supporter of the County Club and was made a life member of the club last year.
“Jim would be justly proud of the very significant contribution made by his family to Shropshre cricket.”
A memorial service for Jim will be held at St Eata’s Church, Atcham on Wednesday, December 18 at 11.30am.