TRIBUTES have been paid to an MBE and community and charity ‘champion’ who has died aged 81.

James O’Connor, from Latchford, passed away after a long battle with cancer on Monday, October 13.

Known to many as Jim, he served as a member of the St John’s Ambulance for more than 40 years in the town and was regularly on hand as a first aider at Warrington Wolves games and events like Walking Day.

Warrington Guardian:

Jim on Remembrance Day in 2017

The granddad spent his working life on the railways and was an active member of the MS Society and the Warrington Lions.

Originally from Ireland, Jim was handed an MBE for his services to the community in the 2011 New Year’s honours list.

Alison Williams, of the St John’s Ambulance, said: “James O'Connor, who was recently promoted by the Queen within the Order of St John, sadly passed away on Monday, October 13.

“Jim was a charity champion within his community – he had been a member of the St John’s Ambulance for 42 years and had the saved lives of both strangers and neighbours.

“He was, until recently, a regular first aider at the Warrington Wolves, Bold Heath Equestrian Centre events, Warrington Walking Day and Victoria Park athletics to name just a few.

“Originally from Ireland, Jim spent his working life in Warrington on the railway at Bank Quay Station – he was also an active committee member for the Warrington MS Society and a Warrington Lions member, and was to be seen every evening during December helping the Lions’ Santa collection.

“Jim helped out at St John Henry Newman Catholic Church, setting out the chairs and hymn books and greeting congregation members, and leaves three sons, a daughter and two grandchildren and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”