Classics teacher who loved to play the blues

Alwyn James, of Perth, a retired classics teacher and successful recording artist, has died aged 83.

He taught for many years at Glenalmond College and toured the UK and Europe with his blues band, Roll Wyn James.

Alwyn John Newton James was born in Manchester in 1939 to Welsh parents, clergyman Bill James and his wife Janet.

He grew up in Somerset, together with his sister Carol. He had an outstanding voice and at the age of seven passed the audition to be a chorister at St Paul’s Cathedral in London.

However, it was decided he would go to a Bristol preparatory school for choristers from a city church.

Alwyn then won a scholarship to Bristol Grammar School where he excelled in Latin, Greek and ancient history.

From there he went to Exeter College, Oxford, to read theology.

The course was not to his liking but during his time in Oxford he played on the local blues scene.

He eventually went to Lampeter University in Wales to study classics, before returning to Oxford to train as a teacher.

Following graduation, Alwyn started work at Allhallows School, Devon. It was there he met his future wife, Jo, and they married in 1968.

That same year, Alwyn secured a position teaching classics at Glenalmond.

While in this post at the school, Jo and Alwyn had two children – Rhiannon and Rupert.

Alwyn was a hugely popular teacher who influenced the lives of many.

He taught the classics, coached sport, sang in the choir and took part in drama and musical productions.

He was hugely passionate about cricket, coaching the first XI for many years.

Alwyn was housemaster of Patchell’s for many years before promotion to head of department and school registrar.

In 1992 he decided to take early retirement from Glenalmond to pursue his musical career.

Over the next three years, he gigged extensively in the UK and Europe, covering huge mileage in his beloved, gold-coloured Mercedes W123 estate.

However, in 1995 he suffered a severe stroke which left him with paralysis on his right side and aphasia.

He received outstanding care during eight months in Perth Royal Infirmary and six months’ rehabilitation in Astley Ainsley Hospital in Edinburgh which enabled him to live independently back in Perth.

Alwyn attended the Mackinnon Centre in Broughty Ferry from 1997. The staff and his family encouraged him to become reacquainted with the blues and not only did he resume playing but performed with his old band, putting on concerts in Perth and also recording a number of albums.

The money raised from sales was donated to the Mackinnon Centre to help fund its initiatives and activities.

He also supported Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland and the Stroke Association.

Alwyn lived independently until his admission to hospital in the summer this year.

He was a well known figure – in his electric wheelchair – around Perth and he enjoyed dining out and attending gigs.

His son Rupert said: “Following his stroke he remained upbeat at all times, exactly how he had always been.

“He was extremely keen to spread awareness of stroke and aphasia in everything he did.

“His story featured on television, radio and film and many articles were written about him.

“He was a unique man who encouraged and inspired many both before and after his stroke. He will be hugely missed by so many.”

BLUES MAN: After a stroke, Alwyn James not only resumed playing but performed with his old band and recorded a number of albums.