WHILE there is sadness at the death of Jim Thorington there is much in his life to celebrate by the many people who had the pleasure of knowing him, writes Roger Malone.

Jim came to Tavistock in the mid-60s as a freelance press photographer, ultimately working exclusively for the Times. His affable mix of professionalism and showmanship ensured a welcome wherever he went — his warm personality guaranteeing a ready invite to return.

The Thorington camera did not so much focus on subjects as record the events of people that had, as the years rolled by, developed into firm friends. Down the decades he turned up at annual events again and again. And if it was an occasion of celebration he brought to it his own larger-than-life carnival atmosphere. The arrival of those horn-rimmed glasses and walrus moustache — a Thorington trade-mark — meant, at the drop of a hat, the good times would roll.

In 1977 Jim married Shirley, bestowed on her the affectionate nickname 'Spuds', and the devoted couple were inseparable. While Jim took the pictures, 'Spuds' took the details and wrote the captions. This professional double-act produced a powerful combination until, after a pleasant period of semi-retirement, Jim finally hung up his camera for good.

Jim died at Derriford Hospital last week after a short illness. He was 76.

Shirley said Jim had a way of 'bringing out the best in everybody'.

'He had such a personality. He believed in living life to the full — and he lived every minute. He could charm the birds from the trees.

'He was due to retire in the late 1980s but he still wouldn't give it up. He was involved in people. That was his life,' she said.

Press officer for the Lions Club of Tavistock, Steve Grummitt said members were saddened by the death of Jim.

He said Jim and Spuds had been great supporters of the club — having taken hundreds of pictures over the past 25 years.

He recalled the many times members had been welcomed into the Thorington home in Court Gate. A place that 'with all the radio equipment, keyboards and books resembled an Aladdin's Cave'.

Mr Grummitt said the club was 'only too pleased' to return their generosity by providing Jim with a motorised wheelchair which gave him extra mobility during his last few years.

Tavistock Town Mayor Ken Sanders said the council appreciated Jim and all the work he had done in the past.

Callington Town Council clerk Michael Williams said Jim was a good friend to organisations in Callington — 'and especially the town council'.

'He will be greatly missed. He was greatly loved by all the people in this area.'

PC Simon Dell will read an eulogy at the funeral on behalf of the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary and serving and retired policemen.

He said Jim's life was intertwined with the police in many respects.

'Every police officer who has come through the door of Tavistock Police Station in the last half-century has been taken under his wing as a surrogate father. Spuds and Jim were part of the police family,' said Simon.

'He was a larger than life character. He radiated something unique. He was a cross between Jimmy Edwards and Mr Pastry and liked to be known as the bespectacled walrus. He had a mischievous joviality. To me he was the grandfather I never had.'

The funeral is 11am tomorrow (Friday) at Abbey Chapel, Tavistock.

The internment is at Albaston Cemetery because the Tamar Valley was one of his favourite places.