Fox, Jim
January 11, 2013
Sad passing of Life President of London Association - Jim Fox
The late Jim Fox was laid to rest last Sunday 6th Jan 2013 in his beloved Fenagh. His wife Lil and an extended family survive him. He was in his 94th year. Jim was a native of Fenagh. However, after some years working in Ireland he moved to London where he spent the remainder of his life.
Since the mid 1950's Jim was involved with the Leitrim Association, which he chaired for 17 years. At the time of his death he was a life President of the Association. Personally I had known Jim since my arrival in London in 1974. He was a true gentleman. Although based in London he was a great supporter of everything Irish and particularly Leitrim. I believe he never missed a county final for the last 40 years of his active life. Many a Monday morning he would call me to discuss football results in Leitrim, and of course he was a great supporter of the county team.
Aside from Jim Fox's interests in the affairs of local Leitrim football and news from the old country, he was dedicated to improve the lot of others, especially newly arrived from Ireland and also those already in London who needed a little guidance. He used his position in the Association to champion the cause of the underdog, never afraid to rattle the cages of the authorities, at all times in a professional manner, and without craving the limelight. Any and every worth wile charity that gave support to the under privileged Irish had his active support.
It would take too long to describe in any sort of detail his achievements. However, a small example: Jim was involved in the dance hall scene. On a visit to Wales he heard a young singer who impressed him so much that Jim invited him to perform at one of his gigs. Twenty years or so later Jim's local parish was in dire need of funds, and ever the man to help, Jim offered to get a big star for the upcoming fund raising dance. Obviously the committee did not want to stretch the budget too far so Jim was asked to determine how much this 'star performer' would charge. The reply was ' for you Jim I will sing for free". The star was Tom Jones and he packed the venue to the rafters and the parish debt was cleared.
I will miss Jim Fox, we spoke regularly on the phone. When I came to this city he was always interested in my career. As they would say in his beloved Ireland "He had a great way with him"
I have received many calls since Jim's passing from people praising Jim's work. Below are two pieces from fellow members who worked closely with Jim in the Association.
From Dons Daly, Association member and former chairperson:' 'It was a time of austerity, rationing, bad housing and long hours of labour intensive hard graft when Jim Fox, ever the ultra professional Christian gentleman, saw the need to keep the Leitrim Exiles, true to their Faith, in touch with the home land and particularly with friends and neighbours here in London for support and companionship in a very exclusive culture in post WW II Britain. So he joined the newly formed a Leitrim Men's Association, which became in time The Leitrim Association we now know.
Over the years Jim's hand on the tiller kept the Association steered on a steady course, true to its early ideals through times of changes in working methods and in the upheaval of labourer, helping The Leitrim Association to survive stronger than ever.
From his many past glories, just to mention two: he along with the late Mrs. Flood (Carrick on Shannon) organised the First Fesh in London and secured silver trophies to present to those who excelled. His educated input into the founding of The Irish Centre, Camden Town was invaluable and it is to his credit that it still remains a beacon to The Irish in London today. It is not to be forgotten that it was this very same Leitrim Association of which Jim Fox was a life President and led by the late lamented Leitrim priest, Fr. James Butler, raised the money which saved This Centre from going bankrupt some years ago and were modest enough to down play this extraordinary achievement.
Jim was the golden thread that connectted the Officers and Members of The Association over the years. He inspired them to run their Golden mile in the service of The Leitrim Association and to pass the baton on to the next runner in the field. In honour of Jim Fox this baton will be ever carried with pride as long as a Leitrim person resides in London. The Council of County Associations and The Federation of Irish organisations had a lot to learn from Jim Fox and they mourn his passing.
Ar deish Dea go raibh a anam dhilis. From Michael Mulvanerty, Association Life President:
From the foundation of the Leitrim Association Jim was a tireless worker in promoting the ideals and ambitions of the Association, and helping not only Leitrim natives but also all Irish immigrants who could benefit from his energy and fore- sight. He was a true leader through turbulent times, a great persuader of those who had in their power to help, and always the perfect diplomat. He provided outstanding leadership during his many years as chairman, during which he also chaired the Association of Irish Counties for four years, a prestigious and demanding roll.'
Footnote: Michael Mumvanerty, with Sean McWeeney are the remaining two original founder members of the Leitrim Association still resident in London. Both are hale and hearty, still supportive of the Association's events.
Courtesy of The Leitrim Observer.
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