E. J. (“Jim”) Skidmore
The League are saddened to learn of the death of Jim Skidmore. Rob Mugrue has written the following.
Jim Skidmore (Dudley & Stourbridge Harriers) died on 30 March at the age of 90. He had a very long, perhaps uniquely long association with the Birmingham & District Invitation Cross-Country League, stretching from the 1953/54 season to 2016/17. He joined Stourbridge, Wordsley & District Harriers in 1949 and first shows in the League records as an athlete running in November 1953 (22nd in Division 2). As an athlete he was in the middle of the pack but after finishing running he immediately volunteered to help the League in the vital role as a Divisional Secretary for three seasons (1963/64 to the 1965/66 season). Thus began a career as an administrator or Technical Official for the League for 54 seasons continuously. In 1966 he volunteered to take on the job of Assistant League Secretary and Treasurer and was quickly promoted to League Secretary and Treasurer in which capacity he served until 1979, overseeing a considerable expansion of the League in the number of athletes competing, the number of clubs and also its geographical spread. He was Secretary for the League’s celebrations of its 50th anniversary in 1975. In recognition of his contribution to the League he was appointed President for 1980/81. He did not retire there, however, serving as a Race Referee for 13 seasons and as a League Timekeeper for 25 seasons, finally retiring at the age of 82.
This obituary has concentrated on Jim’s contribution to the League but he had many other aspects to his life: as a family man, a volunteer in his local community of Wordsley, an administrator for the Midland Cross-Country Association, serving in the Royal Air Force, acting as a Timekeeper for the RAF Athletic Association and acting as Chief Timekeeper at national level. Above all, everyone who knew him would certify that he was “a nice guy” and perhaps for all his achievements for the League, that is the most important.
One other notable athletic achievement should be mentioned: he was a member of the prestigious and exclusive Centurion Club, whose members are confined to race walkers who have completed a 100 mile race within a 24-hour time limit. He did this in 1964 in the Leicester to Skegness race, crossing the 100-mile mark in 23.02.55. He could often be seen at track races on the Timekeepers’ stand proudly wearing his Centurion Club blazer adorned with its badge.