A FORMER director at Vickers Shipyard in Barrow died shortly after his 92nd birthday.

A well-loved community figure, James Glasgow - better known as Jim - started in the Ship Drawing Office shortly after the war and rose to the role of deputy managing director by the time of his retirement in 1990.

Over a career spanning 45 years Jim, who lived at Infield Gardens, was well known and held in high esteem both locally and throughout the UK Shipbuilding Industry, Royal Navy and Ministry of Defence.

"He was always regarded as a “people person” who was hugely appreciative of the knowledge and skills of people at the sharp end of the business," Keith Glasgow, his youngest son said.

“He was as at home with the workforce in the Shipyard as he was with directors, senior politicians and royalty. He got on well with everyone, had the ability to put people at ease and make them feel comfortable”.

In the 1950’s he had gained a degree in Naval Architecture at Newcastle University and spent a period of National Service as an Engineering Officer in the RAF. He was a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects.

He was well known for his sociable character outside of work and was highly respected by all who knew him as a gentleman and the number of tributes the family have received reflected that people regarded it as an honour and privilege to have known him.

The great-grandfather-of-three spent two years at Dounreay on HMS Vulcan, the Dounreay Submarine Prototype as site manager and on his return looked after the build of HMS Valiant, the first all British Nuclear Submarine, the Tanker British Grenadier, and various conventional submarines.

Before that he was selected as assistant manager overseeing the largest liner to be launched from an English Shipyard - Oriana. He was also directly involved in the production of many other vessels that the shipyard produced during his many years of service.

Outside of the shipyard his many past roles included president of the Furness branch of the Royal Society of St George, chairman of Trinity House Sub Commissioners of Pilotage for Barrow and Heysham, chairman of Barrow and District Association of Engineers, chairman of Vickers Sports Club, president of St. Johns Ambulance Brigade (Barrow Corps), Furness Area Development committee member, first president of HEFF (Hospital Equipment Fund for Furness), chairman of the Board of Trustees of Furness Maritime Trust and first president of SDO Football Club. He was also a Member of Barrow Cricket Club and for many years vice president of Barrow Rugby League.

"He had a great sense of humour and a sharp wit as well as that ability of being able to tell a story that was both humorous and compelling,” said eldest son Allan Glasgow.

"He was a family man who always had time for his grandchildren as well as me and Keith. He was also a good friend to many and will be sadly missed."

The popular figure is survived by his two sons from his marriage with his late wife Ricia and his five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.