Newspaper ink ran in circulation man Jimmy's veins for 60 years

Published on Wednesday 19 March 2008 09:25

Jimmy Stewart, former circulation manager at the Evening News, has died aged 79.

WHEN Jimmy started work for the Evening News aged 14, he could hardly have believed he would still be with the company more than 60 years later.

His family remember him telling of his days working in the packing room alongside his friend Sean Connery. Jimmy, who finally gave up work just three years ago, was born in Pilton in 1929, the son of James and Chrissy.

He spent much of his childhood in India, where his father was stationed with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, and returned to Edinburgh aged 12 with his family, completing his education at Darroch High School. He worked at the Evening News before joining the same regiment as his father at 18 and going on to serve three years in Singapore.

He returned to his old job, where his daughter Melanie Smith said he became firm friends with fellow worker Connery. He accompanied him to an audition in London for South Pacific and the pair stayed in touch when Connery's acting career took off.

By that time Jimmy had met his future wife Jemima Rattray at the Palais de Dance in Tollcross. They married in 1950 and had three children – Brian, 57, Gary, 51, and Melanie, 42.

Jimmy was promoted to distribution and circulation manager at the Evening News, a position he held until his retirement. He continued working at Scotland on Sunday on Saturday nights until three years ago. Melanie said: "He loved his job. He wasn't just like a manager. He would go down to the shop floor and chat to people in the packing room and the vendors. He would go out in a van if it was needed.

"Our memories are always of daddy coming home, smelling of paper ink, with newspapers under his arms and sweeties for us in his pocket.

"He was always singing and whistling. He loved to get up at family gatherings and entertain people with songs by Frank Sinatra or Tony Bennett.

"He was a lifelong follower of the Jambos. When my brother emigrated to Australia he would send him the paper every week so he could keep up with them.

"He was devoted to his family and he wouldn't hesitate to help out friends and neighbours. He always put himself last." Jimmy died suddenly at his home in Relugas Place. He leaves his wife, children and seven grandchildren. His funeral is at Warriston Crematorium on Tuesday at 2pm.