Born in 1914 at the outbreak of First World War, Jack went to The Fradgan Council School in Newlyn before moving on to Tolcarne School in 1923 and then on to Penzance County School for boys in 1926.
Upon leaving school he joined the family's Newlyn building firm started by his great-grandfather Alexander James in the 1840s. He specialised in marine building, contracting with the Duchy of Cornwall to build new jetties on certain of the Isles of Scilly, and also with Trinity House and the RNLI. He did most of the diving connected with this work in the old style deep sea diving suit.
His work with the sea instilled in him a love for swimming and following his retirement from business he became a legend in his own time as one of the 'Battery Rocks all year round swimmers', only ceasing this activity at the age of 91. However, as reported by this newspaper in August 1996, Jack, then aged 83, achieved his ambition of swimming from the Gear Pole to the Battery Rocks accompanied by some much younger friends.
Jack was well known around Newlyn and will be sadly missed. His funeral service will be held at St Peter's Church Newlyn on Monday, at noon followed by a private cremation.
article copyright THE CORNISHMAN