FAMILY and friends are set to bid a fond farewell to well-known local cricketer James “Jim” Phythian, who sadly died over the Christmas period, aged 87.
Known by many on the Warrington cricket circuit, Jim worked for his dad, ploughing fields and operating all sorts of heavy machinery around the Burtonwood and Widnes areas, then the Penketh farm, which later became Phythian Crescent.
He played cricket for Monks Hall alongside brother Alan and where he forged friends for life. His wife Margaret also did the teas while sons Andrew and Jon did the scoring.
Jim and Alan then went onto to play at Thames Board where Jon also played under his captaincy, Margaret also did the teas joined by daughter-in-law Gill.
Jim also loved his working life at Monks Hall steel works, where many strong and lasting friendships were formed and spent most of his working life there and was highly respected and loved. Alan, Andrew and Jon also worked there. He later worked part-time with his wife Margaret, helping deliver Warrington-Worldwide and associated magazines – often taking a flask and picnic on their travels.
Left heartbroken by the death of his son Andrew and wife Margaret, he was a passionate family man and is survived by his brother and sister, Alan and Margaret, son Jon, daughter-in-law Gill, daughter Janet, son-in-law Gary, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren and will be sadly missed, for his great humour and wit.
His funeral will take place at Walton Lea Crematorium at 2:20pm on Monday January 17, followed by a celebration of his life at Warrington Sports Club.
Donations in his memory can be made to Leaukaemia UK and The National Brain Appeal at https://jamesphythian.muchloved.com
Funeral arrangements by Knox & Son Ltd.
