Gentleman Jim was top official

Mar 13 2008 by Chris Roberts, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

HIGHLY-RESPECTED amateur rugby league official Jim Conlan has died at the age of 82, following a long illness.

His outstanding contribution to the amateur game was recognised four years ago when he was made a life member of the Huddersfield and District Amateur Rugby League Association.

Jim began playing rugby league as a junior at St Joseph’s School and joined Deighton as a prop forward in 1939.

During the Second World War he served as a wireless operator on destroyers and, when he returned to Huddersfield, he helped set up the Moldgreen club at Carr Pitt in 1947-48.

In 1967, he became treasurer of the Huddersfield-Halifax Joint League and then joined the Huddersfield League committee shortly afterwards.

When the Pennine League was formed in 1974, he became treasurer and later had spells as secretary of both the Pennine and Huddersfield Leagues.

In 1996, he handed over the role of Huddersfield secretary and treasurer to Sue Taylor and was made vice-president.

He was also a vice-president and a life member of the Pennine League and a founder member and life member of the British Amateur Rugby League Association.

Much of his working life was spent as a purchasing manager at Heywood Williams, Leeds Road, and after his retirement he also spent a lot of time playing golf and bowls.

He was married to Marrion, who died several years ago, and had one daughter, Jane, three grandsons, Spencer, James and Edward, and four great grandchildren.

His funeral will take place at Huddersfield Crematorium next Monday (11.30).