James Mercer

Mr James Mercer of Blackburn and formerly of Union Road, Oswaldtwistle, died peacefully in the Royal Blackburn Hospital on Monday, September 1, 2014, aged 97 years.

James lived a full and happy life and always brought along a smile wherever he went.

Before the outbreak of World War II James worked as a textile engineer at Howard and Bullough, he then later worked as an engineer at Holbrook.

At the start of the war he joined the Royal Navy and served as a warship engineer, during this time he had numerous postings, some of which included Mombasa, Kenya, South Africa, Malta and Colombo.  After the war James set up a clothes shop with his wife called “Wilson’s” on Union Road which specialised in both gents and children’s clothing.

James was a loyal member of the Freemasons, which he joined in January, 1954.  He was also a member of the Victorians Concert Party which brought entertainment into old people’s homes.  He was also in the Great Harwood Men’s Choir and was a dedicated member of St Paul’s Church in Oswaldtwistle.

James had a passion for music and entertaining, he loved to sing, dance and tell stories.  He also enjoyed playing his ukulele – this always brought a smile to those around him.  He was a great fan of Accrington Stanley, Blackburn Rovers and Lancashire Cricket Club, he also enjoyed playing boules.

James leaves behind his much loved daughter Joan, his treasured grandchildren Michael, Aunette and Kerry, his cherished great grandchildren, his dearly loved nephews and nieces, his dear brother in law Kenneth and also his dear friend and carer Tanya.

A funeral service will be held on Friday 12^th September at 10.45am at St Paul’s Church, Oswaldtwistle prior to interment at Accrington Cemetery.   Flowers are welcome but donations may also be sent in lieu of flowers in memory of James for the British Heart Foundation c/o Barton & Hallworth Funeral Service, The Old Foxhill, 136 Union Road, Oswaldtwistle. Tel: 01254 390542.