It is with great sadness that we report the death of Jim Blythe (K48-54) just before Christmas. He died on the morning of 19 December 2024 aged 86. He’d not been good with dementia for last few years. He was greatly involved with the Society and The School over many years. He was the first boy across the threshold at Brandeston Hall and went on to be SOF President, Governor and SOF Trustee for many years.
He is also listed in Distinguished OFs for his plant nursery business click here.
UPDATE : We are advised that there will be a private cremation for family only and then a celebration of his life on Saturday 22nd February at St Edmund’s Church, Southwold at 12.00noon. There will be ‘ nibbles ‘ after the service at Southwold Golf Club, The Common, Southwold IP18 6TB, where Jim had apparently been a member since the age of nine, a mere seventy seven years!! RSVP by email to wendytrent@btinternet.com
The family have posted the following obituary notice :
In loving memory of Robert James Blythe ‘Jim’ formerly of Potash Nursery died peacefully, at home in Suffolk on 19th December 2024 aged 86 years.
Dad was born in Southwold, attend Brandeston School the Framingham College. After leaving school he joined the Merchant Navy in 1958. In 1964 he left the Navy and become salesman for Silkcocks where he met our mum June. They were married in September 1965. Dad took over the running of Potash Nursery when his father in law passed away in June 1966. Several years down the line mum and dad decided to specialised in Fuchsias and began to attend the RHS Shows and several county shows. He then displayed his fuchsias at Chelsea Flower Show and in 1993 he had his picture in the Hello magazine with the queen. When he retired he was able to play more golf, help out at the Alfred Corry museum. He also attended Here4u Dementia Group which he loved. He will be dearly missed by all that knew him.
All enquiries to Andrew Bingham Independent Funeral Service, The Nutshell, Milton Road South, Stowmarket, IP14 1EZ Tel: 01449 771666.
Donations, if desired, for St Elizabeth Hospice, Marie Curie, Alfred Corry Lifeboat Museum and/or Mouth and Foot Painting Artists can be made payable to ‘Andrew Bingham Independent Funeral Service’ and sent to the above address.
These pictures were taken by Bob Williams (Hon OF) at the 70th anniversary of Brandeston.
Ruth Elwood remembers Jim as always being so supportive and an ever present, larger than life character at the Suffolk Show where she exhibited annually from 2011-2015 in the Flower Show, floral marquee. These photos were taken in 2010 with Past President Brian Smith and in 2013, when we were giggling about the fact he’d forgotten his belt, but he felt a bit of twine was a good substitute!
And pictured with the Queen at Chelsea FLower Show in 1993
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James Ruddock-Broyd
Tuesday 24 December 2024