To all the rugby family (both Union and League), particularly at Rosslyn Park and Hull KR (aka the Robins):

I’m sad to report that James Willerton (Jim, to most, and Dad to one) passed away on Friday 16 May at Royal Trinity Hospice, Clapham Common, aged 94, after a short illness.

Jim, a very popular Rosslyn Park member, supporter and analytical rugby pundit, was a rugby stalwart over the years having played amateur rugby league in Hull, where it all began, before embracing rugby union in the RAF, then playing for Sidcup, Malvern, Manchester, and Effingham before injury forced his retirement in 1973. He then took up the referee’s whistle, for London, Yorkshire and Buckinghamshire referee societies.  He reffed his last game in 1990.

Jim started coming to the Park some 30+ years ago, popping in for a beer on his way home after reffing matches on the circuit.  He quickly made friends, became a member and, when his refereeing days were done, would support the Park at home and away.  Jim could always be found in ‘Gordon’s Corner’ post 1st XV matches where skippers, coaches and refs alike would seek his knowledgeable analysis and opinion of the game.  Sometimes, there would be a ‘10 minute sulk’ following a tough defeat but then it would be back to business with laughter, chat and a pint or two of Wandle!  He was also quite prepared to act as choirmaster, as those on a famous away trip to Old Patesians will attest.  The camaraderie and craic certainly led to one or two late evenings.

He was a leading light in the Rosslyn Park quiz team for many years, often being the top scorer.  He was a jazz aficionado and would go to the Bull’s Head in Barnes with another Park great, Brain Lawrence, for the regular gigs by Humphrey Lyttelton’s band.

Jim was a  good friend, a great father to his loving and caring daughter, Claire, and devoted husband to his dear wife Barbara.

Jim, you will be missed. You gave us a lot of time, fun and wisdom, and I got to see your hometown, Hull. Thank you.

Jim’s funeral will be on Friday 13 June, 11a.m. at Putney Vale Crematorium. 

No flowers, please, but donations in his memory are encouraged to support the amazing work at Royal Trinity Hospice:

https://www.royaltrinityhospice.london/inmemoryof/jim-willerton

‘Gordon’s Corner’ on tour to Craven Park, Hull, August 2022, to support Jim’s beloved Hull KR.

“You can take the man out of Hull, but you can’t take Hull out of the man”.