Obituary: James Muir, sportsman, 76

James Muir, a gifted sportsman who excelled at bowls following a glittering football career, has died, aged 76.

James "Jim" Alfred Stevenson Muir passed away on 1 June, following an eight-month battle with cancer.

Despite being a dyed-in-wool Hearts supporter, Mr Muir signed for Hibs in his youth but failed to make an appearance for the first team which boasted the Famous Five at the time.

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He collected three Scotland caps before going on to play for Reading FC, the Royal Air Force 1st XI, Tranent Juniors and Ferranti Thistle FC.

In his 30s, Mr Muir launched himself into bowling and, despite winning a cabinet full of gongs for his ability on the green, he was disappointed never to clinch the in-house championship at Sighthill Bowling Club.

"I think it stuck in his craw a little that he never clinched it," said his son Brian, 51.

His most nerve-jangling moment on the green came not as a player but as an umpire in the 1984 World Outdoor Singles Final.

With the scores tied at 20-20 between East Lothian bowls legend Willie Wood and New Zealander Peter Bellis, Mr Muir was tasked with measuring each player's bowl to decide the winner. Eventually, Jim rightly gave it to the New Zealander.

He was described by son Brian describes as a "great people person" who was always "kind and considerate".

Mr Muir was born in Dumbiedykes on 29 September, 1933 and had one older brother, Bill.

At 18 years old, Mr Muir was conscripted for National Service and based in Sylt in Germany for two years. He trained as an electrician and remained in the forces for another two years after his service quota had expired.

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On being demobbed he made a failed bid to join the police but soon found work at the now-defunct Ferranti factory as a progress chaser.

Later in his career he was employed by Lothian Regional Council as clerk of works for care homes in the district. He was honoured with a council commendation for assisting in the evacuation of dozens of pensioners from a care home during a flood.

Mr Muir married Rita in 1957 and had two children– Brian, 51, and Fiona, 50. He was a grandfather of four.

He became a widower 15 years ago and "threw himself" into bowls after retiring two years later. He had been a member of Sighthill Bowling Club since 1963 but was later invited on to East of Scotland umbrella group Water of Leith Bowling Association.

Before his death club chiefs made him honorary secretary of the association.

A humanist funeral service was held at Warriston Crematorium last Monday.

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