Last updated 05:31, Friday, 13 June 2008

For years, in all weathers, Jim Irving was an Automobile Association patrol man, riding his motor cycle and sidecar on the Langholm to Hawick run.

Motorists’ friend: Jim Irving was an AA man for more than 40 years

In winter, the temperature around Mosspaul could be ferociously cold but he loved his job and did it well for 40 years, providing a lifeline for stranded drivers on the A7 and later, in the comparative comfort of a van, on the A74.

Not only that, he also recruited many new members for the AA over the years.

Well known as a ‘good neighbour’ in his home town of Langholm, where he was a member of the Royal British Legion for many years, he was 79 when he was taken ill during a visit to Fort William and he died in town’s Belford Hospital.

James Andrew Irving was his full name and, after leaving Lockerbie Academy, he became a trainee mechanic at Dias’s garage in Carlisle. Conscripted into the army, he joined the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and was attached to the Parachute Regiment. After basic training at Hadrian’s Camp, Carlisle, and Aldershot, he served in Germany, Cyprus and Egypt and it was while he was in the army that he married Catherine Liggins, from Langholm, and they made their home in the town.

After demob he went to work at Jeffries’ Garage, in Langholm, before beginning his long career with the AA.

In his younger days he had fished the Ewes Water and he had been a supporter of Hawick Rugby Club.

Later in life he became a Freemason and in retirement he enjoyed DIY, walking and gardening.

His wife died in September last year and he leaves his brother.

Mr Irving’s funeral service took place in Langholm Parish Church and he was buried in the town cemetery.