James will be remembered for his true devotion to Paisley
Tributes to former Deputy Lieutenant of Renfrewshire
One of Paisley’s bestknown figures, who selflessly served the town and county for decades, has died.
James Wardrop, a former Deputy Lieutenant for Renfrewshire, passed away peacefully on Sunday after a short illness at the age of 79.
As well as the Lieutenancy, some of the many charitable bodies that Mr Wardrop was involved with included: Paisley Abbey, Accord Hospice, the Boys’ Brigade, Paisley Hammermen, the Peter Brough Bequest, the University of the West of Scotland, Paisley Art Institute and the Rotary Club of Paisley.
Rev Alan Birss, minister of Paisley Abbey, led tributes.
He said: “The motto of the Rotary Club is ‘Service Above Self’ and I think that sums Jim up.
“He was tireless in his support of so many bodies in Paisley.
“He was very kind and generous. “He was a wonderful storyteller and his conversation was hugely enjoyable – he would have everyone roaring about laughing.”
The son of a joiner, Mr Wardrop’s connection with Paisley Abbey went back to his earliest days, having been baptised there as a baby.
A former pupil of one of Paisley’s best- known schools, the John Neilson Institution, Mr Wardrop worked in the world of international banking with the Royal Bank of Scotland and was posted to San Francisco in the 1970s.
He continued in banking when he returned to Paisley and it was then that he became fully involved again with the town and its activities.
Colonel Peter McCarthy, Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, remembered Mr Wardrop’s devotion to the town.
He said: “My deep memory of Jim was his absolute passion for everything Paisley, for everything to do with Paisley.
“He was such a good servant to Paisley, he loved Paisley.
“He engaged with so many people and organisations.
“He was respected, loved and admired.”
Diane Mitchell, past president and present assistant governor of the Rotary Club of Paisley, recalled Mr Wardrop’s courtesy and interest in others.
“He was such a gentleman, a lovely man,” she said.
“He was always interested in how you were getting on.
“He was always there to support you with anything, and he had a great sense of humour too.”
At Accord, where Mr Wardrop was honorary president, there was sorrow at the news of his death.
A spokesperson for Accord said: “All of the staff and volunteers at Accord were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jim Wardrop.
“Jim was a former chairman and a lifelong supporter of Accord.
“He was a unique and lovely individual, always immaculate and one of life’s true gentlemen.
“During his time at the hospice, he always made time to speak to our staff, volunteers and patients.
“He had a very wry sense of humour and could be relied upon not only to leave a smile on the face of anyone to whom he spoke but also a lasting impression.
“He was an extremely kindhearted and generous person and often made time to visit our inpatient unit to speak to patients, staff and family members, even on a Christmas Day.
“Although he had an imposing stature he had the supreme gift of always making people feel at ease in his company.
“Jim was also an honorary president of Accord, a position we don’t bestow lightly, which was our fitting recognition of man who we can all say, hand on heart, left a significant mark on all of our lives and will be sadly missed but very fondly remembered.”
Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron said: “Over the years I got to know Jim very well, and I can honestly say he was one of the most well liked and respected men I have ever met.
“He was intelligent, funny and caring – a gentleman in every sense of the word who never let his own beliefs affect his relationship with people.
“Jim served this area very well indeed with dignity and respect. “He will be very sadly missed.” A service of thanksgiving for Mr Wardrop’s life will take place at Paisley Abbey tomorrow at 10.30am.