Mr James Stanbridge

James ‘Jim’ Stanbridge

Jim was born on 14^th May, 1933 in Sheffield, a second son for Frank and Lily Stanbridge and a brother to David. He has remained, since then, a proud Yorkshireman. He spent, what he always described as, an “idyllic childhood” in the small village of Grindleford, Derbyshire, just over the border from Yorkshire, , nestled in the Hope Valley on the banks of the River Derwent. This was his ‘back garden’, with its woodland, streams and moorland and he would spend many contented hours exploring them with his friends. From the ages of six to eleven the world was at war. He remembered it as quite an exciting time, especially exploring the cockpit of a Wellington Bomber that had made an emergency landing on a nearby hill! He also thoroughly enjoyed his scouting days.

Jim’s love of music started early when he learnt to play the cornet at first, then moved on to his favourite instrument, the euphonium. At about the age of twelve he became one of the youngest members of the Hathersage Silver Band and continued to play this and then the baritone, just for fun, for most of his life.

Jim enjoyed school but did not excel academically whilst there, failing both the 11 and 13 plus. He left school at 15 and began his working life in the stainless steel industry in Sheffield. Wanting to better his chances in life, his incredible work ethic started to shine through when he began night school and this continued throughout his career. He worked his way up, from humble beginnings, to train himself up through grit and determination – working in the steel factory by day and studying in the evenings across 12 full years – in Sheffield and then in Bow College, London to, in the end, achieve Membership  to the Institution of Mechanical Engineers – his degree level qualification. He reached Board level at the great British institution of the match company, Bryant and May, sustaining that position for many years instigating some great changes and dealing with major engineering and industrial relations challenges. When things changed at the company and he was made redundant in his fifties, he turned his hand to the manufacturing of high quality decorating paint brushes at Hamilton Star, turning round their fortunes ready for sale – leading to his own exit! Even harder to find work in his mid-fifties, Jim worked for Barclays Life in a role that did not use his core skills but required him to adapt late in his career to handle very different challenges and working style. But his determination – and lots of love and support from Barbara- saw him through 5 years until he found a final manufacturing role, aged 60, in Hull.  

Apart from playing in the band, Jim also enjoyed many years playing hockey, joining a club wherever he was at the time. He organised many a Club ‘Bier Keller’ where the beer flowed freely and a good time for all was guaranteed! Jim was also a keen singer and it was when Chigwell Row Operatic and Dramatic Society were on the look-out for rare tenors, that he joined and met a certain young lady who captured his heart. Jim wasted no time and he and Barbara were engaged three months later and married the following year, in 1963.  They have been devoted to one another ever since and last year, in July 2023, celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary. It has been a busy 60 years!  First they welcomed Karen and then Jim’s job moved the young family up to Scotland. Whilst living there, Andrew and then Iain arrived.  In 1971 they all moved to Bishop’s Stortford in Hertfordshire until ending up in the friendly town of Thame, Oxfordshire where he lived for the last 44 years of his life. He was a proud grandfather of 7 grandchildren, and was delighted to meet his great-granddaughter last year. A few days before he passed away he was thrilled to hear that there is another baby on the way, which is a great-grandson to continue the Stanbridge name! Jim was a great animal lover and thoroughly enjoyed the walks and the companionship of the three Rough Collie dogs that joined the family over the years, all called Sabre!

Reaping the rewards of all the hard work, Jim and Barbara enjoyed retired life to the full, travelling to 86 countries together. Jim was an active member of Thame Rotary and sang as a much valued tenor in Lord Williams’s Festival Chorus, along with Barbara and Karen. Jim’s deep Christian faith was always a great comfort to him in difficult times as he and Barbara supported each other through life’s trials and health battles, without complaint. He was a true gentleman, who, in his 91 years, made a big impression wherever he went. Alongside all the above, and with his beaming smile and friendly nature, he has set an amazing example to us all. Jim will be sorely missed.