FORMER managing director of Hamworthy Engineering, James (Jim) Beveridge, has died at the age of 91.

Born in Kirkcaldy, Scotland, in 1925, Jim was the youngest of Sandie and Mary Beveridge’s four children. He attended Abbotshall School in the town, was a regular member of 4th Kirkcaldy Boys Brigade for many years and supported Raith Rovers football club throughout his life.

Jim started his career at Burnt Island as an engineer’s apprentice in the ship building industry. In 1953 he moved to Poole and joined Hamworthy’s Pump and Compressor division as sales manager while the company was still based at Poole Quay.

“It was here a few years later he met Irene whom he married in May 1957. They went on to have five children and eventually settled down in Buccleuch Road, Branksome Park,” said his daughter Jayne Burton.

Jim travelled extensively all over the world with Hamworthy and made many good life long friends. In 1969 and 70 he was chairman of the British Marine Equipment Council and later served as chairman of the International Marine Exhibition (IMEX) Advisory Board.

He was appointed managing director of Hamworthy Engineering Ltd in 1976, a position he was very proud of.

The following year he was awarded the Order of the Lion of Finland, Knight First Class by the Finnish government for his activities over the years improving commercial relations between Finland and the UK.

“This was an honour he was delighted to receive and was the highlight of a long and happy association with Finland. In 1978 he was appointed to the British Overseas Trade Board European Committee with special responsibilities for Finland,” said Jayne.

In 1980 Jim was bestowed with a membership to the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights in recognition of his work in that field. The next year he was appointed a director of Powell Duffryn Ltd and had a position on the executive committee of the board.

“During the 30 years Jim was with Hamworthy from 1953 – 83 he saw the company grow from a relatively small company on Poole quayside to one of the finest, sophisticated international engineering companies of its day,”said Jayne.

In the late 1980s he was chairman of the board of governors at Uplands, a private school on St Osmund’s Road, Parkstone, Poole.

In retirement Jim was a keen gardener and spent much time with his grandchildren. Last year he welcomed his first grandchildren, twins Beth and Finn into the family.

“Jim never lost his sense of humour or his love of life. He was a very hard working, successful, proud Scotsman who will be missed by all,”said Jayne.

Jim passed away on April 30 in Poole Hospital after a short illness and his funeral was held at Bournemouth Crematorium with a wake at the Carlton Hotel with donations going to Poole Hospital Charity.