Welcome to the Alexandra Harrier and Walkers Club Weekly Run Reports

2009 Season

In Memory of Jim Sim

14 February 1920 - 21 April 2009
Life Member AHC

By Depac Leda

Jim Sim joined the Alexandra Harrier Club in 1984. I first met Jim when I joined the harriers in 1987. I hadn't done any running before , but was told go out with Jim's D pack , he'll look after you. I learnt an important lesson that day , just because someone has grey hair and looks old, does not mean they are not fit or cannot run.I can remember thinking ,I need a rest break , when's this old fellow going to stop for a rest.

Jim told me he did not take up running until he was about 55 years old. At a time when many people are retiring from sport and putting their feet up , here Jim was embarking on a new sport.

By 1992 Jim was 72 , and the club had decided to start a walking section. Ian Dick led the power walking group, and Jim took the leadership role of leading the recreational walkers.

In 1995 the club awarded Jim Life Membership of the Alexandra Harrier Club. Although a quiet unassuming man , Jim took on the roles of leading the D running pack and then the walking group without fuss or fanfare.

By the time Jim was in his 80s , father time was telling him to slow down. He passed on the reigns of leading the walking group to Barbara Hall. Jim retired from active participation in the club in 2003 at the age of 83.However he still retained an active interest in the Harrier club.

He was a regular attendee of the harrier club board of directors meeting , held each Saturday throughout the year at about 5pm at the pub. Over a glass of old dark , Jim helped us solve the country's problems.

What do I remember about Jim Sim. Well I remember Jim seemed to be king bee of the hive , he always seemed to have a swarm of women buzzing around him, making sure Jim was ok.

I remember Jim always seemed to have a grin on his face , either Mary had been sprinkling prozac onto his porridge for the last 25 years , or else Jim just had a natural sunny happy disposition.

I remember Jim as a gentleman , I never heard Jim have something bad to say about anyone , even when provoked. I remember at one board meeting , Owen said to Jim "what happened to your legs" Jim replied he had scratched himself in the rose bushes. Come on Jim tell the truth , you were really stealing those frilly knickers from the clothesline of that young woman down the street , and her boyfriend caught you and chased you through the rose bushes. Jim shakes his head with a big grin and says, You're a terrible man ,terrible. But of course Jim would be back at the next board meeting for more nonsense.

Although a quiet unassuming gentleman, Jim was inspiring in his own way , showing us that age need not be a barrier , we can still lead a fit an active life into our eighties.

The respect that Jim was held in was clearly seen at his funeral service , with around 35 past and present members attending and forming a guard of honour.

Is there life after death ? Until we make that journey we will not know for certain. If there is though , I'm sure Jim already has his shoes on , a spring in his step , a smile on his face and looking to take someone for a bit of a walk over those hills.

We will miss you , gentleman Jim.