Hand in hand for Jimmy

Jimmy Marshall

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TRIBUTES have been paid to a well respected and dedicated youth rugby coach who has died suddenly at the age of 49.

James Marshall, who was known as Jimmy, suffered a brain haemorrhage after refereeing a Higginshaw ARLFC under 10s rugby match and was rushed to the Royal Oldham Hospital.

He was then transferred to Hope Hospital at Salford Royal where he underwent emergency surgery.

However he failed to recover and his life support machine was turned off on Thursday, with James losing his fight for life in the early hours of Friday.

His partner of 15 years Pauline Cooper and step daughter Emma Lees were away on Emma’s hen party in Benidorm when they received the news that James, a manager for Oldham Social Services, had collapsed at the rugby club house after beginning to feel unwell during the match on Sunday, July 5,

They faced a heartbreaking flight back to Manchester to be at his side landing just hours after getting the news, joining the rest of the family, including his children Erin and Liam at the hospital.

Pauline, who lived with James in High Crompton, said: “We are all devastated by what has happened.

“He was such a lovely man, he had time for everybody and he will be missed by so many people.

“He was a family man and he was surrounded by his family, myself, his children, his parents and his nephew in hospital.”

Pauline added that he had not been unwell before last week’s tragic incident, making his death even more shocking for the family.

She said: “We have had no sleep since it happened.

“I can barely think straight because we are so shocked. It is horrific.

“There is a big hole in our lives now but we are getting through it together.”

She added that the family are currently in the process of organising his funeral, and are expecting many people to go to pay their respects.

Pauline continued: “He loved rugby and was more than happy to spend his evenings coaching his team.

“It was his favourite thing to do.”

James, who coached the under 10s team, had been volunteering at the club for eight years, including being the head of youth development for the past five years.

On Sunday, his devastated team held a minute’s silence before their final match of the season against Woolston Rovers in memory of their coach and mentor.

John Mellor, secretary of Higginshaw ARLFC, said: “Jimmy was a key member of the club, well-respected and dedicated to coaching.

“His death has hit the club hard and he will be very much missed by all.

“His under 10s team are devastated by the news and one of them said they would never touch a rugby ball again.

“But we are determined to keep the team going in his honour and people have stepped up to ensure that it continues.”

He added that James began volunteering at the club after his son Liam got involved and set about securing a Club Mark Gold Award accreditation.

The dedicated coach was also recognised for his voluntary efforts and was nominated for an Oldham Sports Award in 2012.