James Walker Greenwood Former councillor and proud family man died peacefully at home
A funeral is a time to say goodbye and to remember the life of the person you love. It’s our privilege to be at your side. We have been funeral directors for generations: this is a way of life for us. When someone you love dies, you can depend on us. AMES Walker Greenwood served as a councillor in the early 1970s. Known as Jim, he died peacefully aged 82 at his home of 34 years in Heckmondwike with his children by his side.
Mr Greenwood was born in Drub village near Gomersal on June 3, 1934, and was based in Egypt for his national service.
He married Olive Jackson on June 11, 1955, lived in Cleckheaton and worked for Spenborough Council as a painter and decorator.
The couple had five children, Maurice, Clifford, Marie, Colin and Victoria. His wife died on Christmas Eve, 1999.
Mr Greenwood was a councillor on Heckmondwike Urban District Council, North Ward (Dale Lane, Stubley area) from 1971 to 1974.
His hobbies were gardening, ‘fretwork’/woodwork, watching sport and collecting antiques.
His son Cliff Greenwood said: “Dad has always been a family man, not only to us but to the extended family. He has always been a very proud dad and as we developed through work or education he always told us how well we had done. He wanted us to have a better life than he had.
“Dad was hard-working and a really good role model for us all. He was proud to be working class and a Labour man through and through.
“He was very caring and was able to show empathy to others. This was apparent when he took up the role as a councillor, helping others was in his DNA. “While at the council he had responsibility for the parks and cemeteries. He showed his belief in the younger generation when he helped Heckmondwike Cycle Speedway Team with funding toward a permanent track. He has always embraced people from different cultures and treated them as individuals. “He has always had a wicked sense of humour and enjoyed listening to the funny things in life. Dad was very easy to please and never forgot his humble beginnings up’t Drub.”