Farewell to Jimmy The Bunnet
Hundreds mourn Girvan stalwart
James Crawford, one of Girvan’s most respected and wellkent characters, has died aged 81.
Often known to colleagues and friends as Jimmy the Bunnet, he gave of his time enthusiastically to help dozens of causes in the town and carried the friendly nickname of “The Joiner”.
This was not a difficult one to explain – he was the heartbeat of several clubs and organisations who all benefited from his wise counsel and participation.
When a new club was formed he found the time to become a member and attend their meetings – and gave added meaning to the well worn phrase ‘ a real community man’.
Jimmy was a native of Girvan and spent virtually all his working life at the Alginate where he progressed from a teenage apprentice to general manager of the company’s seaweed collection factory at Barcadine, near Oban, and eventually became boss at Girvan.
In 2013 when a Maidens man was on a Caribbean cruise, a fellow passenger on seeing his kilt asked him where he came from.
He replied Scotland and was told by the stranger: “I know Scotland and Girvan.”
It turned out he had been the worldwide CEO of Alginate Industries and asked the Scotsman if he knew Sandy Dobbie, Stewart Donn and Jimmy Crawford. The man replied that he had played golf with Jimmy. A small world indeed. Jimmy retired in his mid- fifties when Alginate Industries were going through a restructuring programme but soon found another job representing several nationally recognised insurance companies until he reached retirement age.
His work for Girvan Parish Church was greatly appreciated, serving as an elder for 43 years and helping a number of ministers with their pastoral visits and taking part on many church committees.
The Rotary Club of Girvan was very dear to his heart. He was elected president on two occasions, the second coinciding with the club’s 50th anniversary.
Every Christmas he could be found criss- crossing the streets of the town and surrounding villages with Santa’s Sleigh collecting on behalf of truly worthwhile causes, especially those with a Children In Need background.
He was a long- time member of Girvan Probus Club, the Girvan Pipe Band and helped the local RNLI.
From time to time, Girvan Camera Club benefitted from his picture- taking skills and every year he put together the Photographer of the Year competition, inviting Rotary members to be the judges.
His professionalism as a piper saw him called upon for Burns events and weddings.
It was golf, however, that was his favourite sport and he was match secretary and committee member of Turnberry Golf Club.
He also played the game to a high standard with a single- figure handicap for many years.
Jim was married to his childhood sweetheart Margaret for 57 years until her life was snatched away from him in a car accident near Lendalfoot in 2013.
He was never quite the same again but with his family he spent his last few years travelling the continent and further afield as much as possible.
Girvan will miss him as could be seen by the huge gathering both at the church tribute service and at Ayr Crematoriam.
He is survived by his son Gordon and daughter Fiona.