In 1959 a Hilger diffractometer on a Raymax 60 generator with a continuously-pumped X-ray tube was a wonderful way to learn about leaky vacuum systems. A few years later a combined PW1540/PW1050 XRF/XRD system and a Cambridge Instruments Microprobe were commissioned at Joseph Lucas Research in Birmingham. At this point Jim retired to the microprobe room where it was thought that he often studied the structure and composition of the back of his eyelids.

Some 20 years later this pipe smoking analyst recognised the value of co-ordinating information from the range of analytical equipment used in a steel works laboratory. A mountain of punch paper tape could be found on the lab floor and somewhere amongst it Jim would be muttering to himself. He managed to collate data from XRF and emission spectrometers and as paper transformed into magnetic tape; Winchesters were replaced by floppy discs, the analytical world appreciated the benefits of the Laboratory Information System. Jim could also be relied upon for guidance on steak houses after a hard day commissioning Philips software with the best providing both ice cream and custard with apple pie.

On leaving the Philips Analytical Department at Pye Unicam, Jim set up Cotswold Computers to concentrate on software support and development. There are laboratories, literally around the world, that have reaped the benefits of his computing skills.

Jim was a great sportsman; particularly cricket, rugby, football and golf, reaching high levels of achievement as a left-arm fast bowler. On Thursday 27th November 2008, his many friends joined his wife Judy and family for a service to remember his life and achievements that was cut short following the diagnosis last summer of pancreatic cancer.

Margaret West et. al.