Tribute to ‘Webby, the singing jannie’ Service hears of Jimmy’s love of family and music
Family and friends turned out in force at a service of thanksgiving, held in St Matthew’s Church, Tay Street, for the life of wellknown Perth man Jimmy Webster.
Known to many as ‘Webby,’ he died at Northlands Care Home, Blairgowrie, on Sunday, November 12, after a long illness.
Aged 73, he had been living with vascular dementia for a number of years.
In a wide-ranging address, independent funeral celebrant Barbara Millar paid tribute to Jimmy’s love of his family and his music.
“Although he will no longer walk alongside you, Jimmy will never be forgotten,” she said.
“The memories of him will be treasured and shared by everyone fortunate to know him.”
Jimmy was born in Perth on October 17, 1944, and was brought up at 42 George Street - and later in Muirton - by his maternal grandparents, Elizabeth and James Robertson.
Known as Jams, he worked the curtains and scenery at Perth Theatre and it was little surprise that Jimmy took to the stage himself after his exposure to theatrical life at an early age.
Jimmy attended St Ninian’s Primary School, followed by Perth High, but he wasn’t interested in pursuing academia.
He went to work for Mackay’s decorators in Perth and was apprenticed to Willie Pennycook, who honoured Jimmy by driving Jimmy Webster
one of the funeral cars.
In his younger days, he was a keen footballer and went on to become a lifelong Rangers’ supporter. He also took up karate and was a keen bowler in later life.
After his apprenticeship as a painter and decorator - and with his City and Guilds qualifications under his belt- it was time for pastures new.
He had joined the Territorial Army in 1963 and was put through his HGV licence, which he was later able to put to good use working as a street cleaner for the council.
He enjoyed the great camaraderie of the TA – the regular drink on a Sunday and the annual training trip to Germany. He stayed in the TA until the late 80s, becoming chief clerk.
After working as a scaffie, he became a janitor in local schools and became known as the ‘singing jannie’ as there was always a song on his lips.
He met his wife-to-be Mae in the late 60s and they were married in April, 1975.
From his late teens on, Jimmy started to sing with bands, among them the Muir Duncan Quartet, better known as MDQ, the resident band at Perth’s Lovat Hotel, Max Pratt’s Big Band at the Salutation Hotel and the Dave Blyth Trio.
He was always the vocalist and could sing anything. The band had a wide repertoire including the Carpenters and Stevie Wonder, among many others but his favourites were Frank Sinatra, Matt Monro, Dean Martin and Perry Como.
Jimmy’s son, Scott, surprised him with a ticket to see Ole Blue Eyes at Ibrox in July, 1990 - it was “one of the best days of his life,” he later recalled.
In his varied working life, Jimmy was also employed as a pest controller by Rentokil before getting a job in the mail room at Dewar’s whisky distillers and then working for Bell’s.
His great hobby was recognised by the company when they asked him to provide an image for an anniversary decanter, shaped like a bell.
Jimmy loved the Fair City and loved collecting postcards of old Perth. Within his collection was a great picture of the frozen Tay in winter which went on a special edition anniversary decanter, one of which was presented to him.
Jimmy ended his whisky company career with Diageo, as a front of house commissioner, who would meet and greet visitors, before returning to janitor duties.
He worked at Northern District, Perth Grammar and, finally, Luncarty Primary Schools, which he loved and where he was extremely wellliked by children and parents.
His working life came to abrupt due to an accident at work when he fell from a ladder and suffered a significant head injury which proceeded the onset of his vascular dementia.
In a personal tribute to his father, his son Scott recalled many amusing anecdotes of Jimmy’s time in the TA, as a singer, following his beloved Glasgow Rangers - and as a family man holidaying with his kids.
“People who have sent lovely messages since his death have described him as great fun, a character, a fabulous singer and someone who lit up a room.
“He was always smiling and always ready with a joke or a quick answer, “recalled Scott.
“Because of his start in life - his mother tragically died when he was two and his father wanted nothing to do with his upbringing - Jimmy wanted to love - and to be loved.
“In the week since he passed, I have had over 500 messages from people, a lot of whom I don’t know, saying how much they will miss him, think of him and loved him. And with all of us gathered here today, dad, we can safely say...you were loved.”
During the service, family friend Douglas Kay, from Corries tribute band the Sorries, sang Sinatra number ‘Fly Me to the Moon.’
A retiring collection was taken for Playlist for Life, a charity which helps people with dementia remember their favourite music.