Tributes have been paid to Leamington grassroots football legend Jim Barry who passed away over the weekend.Jim co-founded Leamington Hibernian (Hibs) FC with his wife Joy in 1974.Jim Barry. Photo courtesy of Alan Guilford.It marked the start of something that was to play a major role in their lives for the next 50 years.Clubs in and around the town have paid tribute to Jim.Joy and Jim Barry. Photo courtesy of Alan Guilford.Leamington FC said: “Leamington Football Club send our thoughts and prayers to Jim Barry’s family, friends and all at Leamington Hibernian following the sad news of his passing.Racing Club Warwick said: “RIP Jim Barry – A legend in local football and a true gentleman.”Our thoughts go out to Jim’s family, friends and all at Leamington Hibernian FC.”Jim Barry celebrating one of Leamington Hibernian FC’s many successes in his younger days. Photo courtesy of Alan Guilford.Leamington Khalsa FC said: “This one has hit us hard! Heard the news about the great man Jim Barry sadly passing yesterday.”RIP, he was a beautiful man with a kind heart and open arms to help so many people throughout local football.”Not only did he form a great club in Leamington Hibernian FC but he also was an advocate for helping Khalsa FC get started all those years back.”Our chairman and founder Bikeramjit Singh had a great picture with Jim at a recent cup final.”It was a close contest and massively entertaining as it always is between the two clubs.They added: “Most importantly though, there is a massive respect between the two clubs which is a testament to Jim.”Many Khalsa players have played for Hibs and Jim over the years and some are still playing for both teams to this day.”I think all of them and the whole of the local community will agree that we have lost a legend in Jim Barry.”Stockton Football and Cricket Club said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jim Barry.“A truly wonderful man, loved and respected by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”Jim embodied everything that is special about grassroots football, his humour, encouragement and unwavering enthusiasm lifted players, officials and supporters alike.“He will be deeply missed by us all.”And Southam United FC said: “It is with great sadness that we have heard of the passing of Jim Barry.”A truly wonderful man, loved and respected by us all.”A genuinely wonderful example of what it means to be involved in supporting grassroots football, for his humour, encouragement and enthusiasm for players, officials and everyone he met.”He will be very sadly missed by us all.”Joy, of Lillington and whose real name was Margaret, died peacefully aged 78 in April 2020.In the weeks following her passing, thousands of people from Leamington’s footballing and wider community said farewell to the “wonderful” and “big-hearted” Hibs co-founder.Jim will be equally missed and remembered. The couple were devoted parents to Sheena, Kevin, Siobhàn, Liam, Kieran and Julanne, grandparents to Alicia, Sharne, Jack, Ryan, Shaun, Jessica, Jordan, Lewis, Riordan, Laoise and Danny and great-grandparents to Riley, Poppy, Millie-Jae, Sophia, Freddie and Rupert.Continue Reading
Tributes paid to Leamington grassroots football legend Jim Barry
