Tributes have been paid to popular and well-loved community stalwart Jimmy Jackson, who has died aged 85.
Jimmy, of Lumb farm, Newton, was a farmer and mechanic before building a successful car dealership.
When he wasn’t head to toe in engine oil, Jimmy devoted his spare time to improving life in Prestbury.
As parish councillor for 35 years, Jimmy worked hard to preserve the village’s architecture, beauty and sense of community, which led to Prestbury being named Cheshire’s Best Kept Village several times.
His devotion to the village earned him the nickname ‘Mr Prestbury’.
Paying tribute, Jimmy’s wife of 48-years, Thelma, said: “Jimmy was a very generous and kind man. He was the salt of the earth. If anyone was in trouble he would offer his help. His life was his work and he was never happier when covered in engine oil. But he also cared deeply for the village and his family. We will all miss him tremendously.”
Jimmy was born in 1928 into a family with links to Macclesfield dating back at least 300 years.
His early years were spent helping his dad Sidney on the family farm. He would regularly skip school to help sell tractors to the farming community and developed a talent for working with engines.
In 1955 Jimmy and Sidney opened a Ford dealership – and with more than 50 years in the post, Jimmy became the longest serving dealer principal in the country.
He also followed in his father’s footsteps when he signed up for civic life.
Speaking upon his retirement from the parish council in 2013, Jimmy said: “Having grown up in the village and always been involved in village life it made sense to get involved. I always cared about what happened here.”
Paying tribute, present council chairman Arthur Dicken, said: “To say that Jimmy was a stalwart of Prestbury would be a serious understatement.
“Jimmy was interested and aware of everything going on in the village for most of his life. He offered genuine and helpful advice to everyone, he took a personal responsibility for the state of the village and he mended anything which needed fixing. Others will write more of his many interests and achievements: I will remember him as a wise and trusted source of advice on all matters relating to the village.”
His death last Wednesday after a four-year battle with cancer will be felt most by his wife and their sons, Paul and Timothy, and grandson George.
His funeral service will take place at St Peter’s Church, Prestbury, on May 20 at noon, where, since a boy, he was a member, later becoming a warden and sidesman.
