Jim Ramsbottom

March 20th, 1939 - March 12th, 2021

Biography


Honest Jim the Bookie, Castlefield visionary and fag smoking, straight talking Manchester legend.


Join us to remember the life of Jim Ramsbottom


Thursday 9th September - 2pm onwards


Dukes 92, Castlefield, Manchester


Come along to raise a glass and share some memories.


All are welcome.


Arrangements for the Funeral of James (Jim) Ramsbottom


Thursday 1st April, Agecroft Cemetery & Crematorium, Pendlebury, M27 8SS   11.30am Funeral cortege will leave from Dukes 92, Castlefield  The procession will travel through some areas of Manchester and Salford which were particularly special to Jim 12.30pm - Service at Agecroft Crematorium Chapel,  followed by the burial  1.30pm - Service ends   Due to covid restrictions the service inside the chapel is family only  Family flowers only please  If you have any questions please call Broadoak Independent Funeral Services on 0161 7947499

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Family

About

Name Jim Ramsbottom
Date of Birth March 20th, 1939
Date of Death March 12th, 2021
Home Town Salford, England, GB 
Family

Family

Significant OtherJean Ramsbottom
ChildrenBeth Adams, James Ramsbottom, Kate McKenna, Lucy McCarthy, Sarah McDermott

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Tributes



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Harry Johnston Obe published a tribute .

I knew Jim very well, we were rivals but good humered ones, I remember telling him about abseiling over the river wall into the old tunnels under Deansgate in front of the Cathdral and us discussing what we could do with them,if MCC would play ball with us, they wouldn't,what a missed opertunity, he was a fantastic visionary and it was a pleasure to work alongside of him, we shared a great enthusiasm for Salford/Manchester history.
The last project I did,was with his son James,we designed and created the outside bar at Dukes to look like a 1800s old railway goods wagon,agreeing it would enhance the historic connection with the first railway passenger station on Liverpool Road, that was built by my ancester George Stephenson.
My belated condolences ( out of country) to Jean and the Ramsbottem family.

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Brian Daley published a tribute .

I knew you a short time, and in that time you straightened
me up.
remembered always

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Andy published a tribute .

Rest in peace JIM you were a true legend in your own right and always will be. A man with a vision and a man who could pull any project off. Always went out of your way to come over and sit and chat with us at DUKES 92. Deepest condolences to the whole RAMSBOTTOM family.
Jim you will be surely missed rest in peace mate.
Manchester wouldn’t be what it is today without your vision and drive.

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Jenny published a comment .

I met him in the mark addy in the 80,s. We JC ad a film production company in Raleigh buildings next door on the river Orwell. He was a true gentleman. RIP Jim

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Geoff Dean published a comment .

A man for all seasons really. I walked into his Deansgate shop during May 1981 where he used the floor above as his head office and I asked him for a manager's job; he gave me one. I liked his style - his shops were modern, clean, and better than any of those of Hills and Ladbrokes (I had worked for both) Anyway, he was focused on the opening of the Mark Addy on the Irwell that summer and even slept in the pub during the 1981 riots, just before it starting trading, concerned about the possibilty of the lavish tinted windows being damaged - it really was the first designer pub of Manchester. Driving down Liverpool Road with him one morning I mentioned that the old railway station had been the world's first city station. He suddenly burst into a bout of passion, pouring his heart out about the industrial revolution in Manchester and Salford - we had a common interest. He enthused "I am going to rebuild Manchester, Geoff." Later that year his assistant, Ann Healy recommended me for a supervisor's job for the shops. Interviewing me, he gave me a slight rebuke for not taking notes - he was that assiduous. He was fussy with everything; a master of detail. I am relating this part because I got to know him a lot better then as I then began to work in his office with his sister-in-law Margaret, Ann, the bookkeeper, and Jim himself. The pub was now open - a spectacular success - and he was now concentrating on building links with Salford Rugby and the regeneration of Castlefield. He wanted to buy the famous/ historic Pump Room across the river from the Mark Addy. He never seemed to get ruffled, and if he was going to have a row he would ask everyone else to leave the room: rare - a gentleman. Jim was modern, smart and well-dressed, more like a young, snazzy American Congressman. He projected an image to his staff and expected a return. Jim was a good employer and paid better than top rates to his staff. The guy was ahead of his time. He would take some of his managers out for a drink with him to keep his finger on the pulse. I never noticed a hint of politics with him. I could go on and on. To sum up, he was passionate about Manchester and Salford, especially its history. I admired his style as to the running of a business - up to date equipment, aware of the opposition, delegation, albeit finger on the pulse, no corners cut; totally legitimate. This guy's life is an inspiration for any budding entrepreneur. An interesting footnote is that his great rival in those early days, Fred Done, went on to build his bookmaking empire, nationally, whereas Jim diversified into reshaping Castlefield. Thanks for the job Jim. R.I.P.

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John Dean published a comment .

Hi Geoff
I am Anne Healey's son .
She unfortunately passed
Aboit a week before Jim
Sad times

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Janice Knight published a comment .

John Dean I worked with your mother Ann Healy going back to 1972 she was a lovely lady,so sorry to hear of her passing.X

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Karan Reynolds published a comment .

My sister Anna managed some of his betting shops in hulme she sadly passed 7 years ago but I remember I used to help out when they were short staffed and Jim gave me a lift in his Rolls Royce from one shop to another he was a lovely charming man condolences to all his family may he rest in peace

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Geoff Dean published a comment .

Hello John. Sad times indeed. I remember your mother so well. Always well turned out at work, dressed in business-like costumes and smart neck scarfs. She was a lovely, bubbly lady. Never kept still - a great asset to Jim and the shops - a tenacious worker. So sorry for your loss. Knowing Anne I am sure that she hopes that you will live your life to the full and not waste a minute. Thank you for posting under these trying times for yourself.

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Janice Knight published a comment .

Hi Geoff ,remember your mum Joyce who I worked with at Eskine Street also your sister Gill.Your mum was such a beautiful lady.xx

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Ayad Matloob published a comment .

Lovely stories of a visionary legend of Salford and Manchester iconic

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Maria Lester published a comment .

Hi Karen, your sister was the heart of Erskine St, respected by both management and customers. Her and Jim had a brilliant relationship he loved her straight talking and fun loving character.

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Chris published a tribute .

I’ve come to this very late via an MEN story.
An ordinary man doing an extraordinary job.
Rare to find someone who grew up “on the streets”, building a business and having a vision for those streets and making it happen.
I’d Loved to have met you. Thanks from a Manc.

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Lucy Mccarthy published a tribute .

Join us to remember the life of Jim Ramsbottom
Thursday 9th September
2pm onwards
Dukes 92, Castlefield, Manchester
Come along to raise a glass and share some memories.
All are welcome.

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Steven Meert published a tribute .

I’ve just seen this obituary and am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Jim (and Jeannie) were friends of my parents and regular visitors through my childhood. Jim, the sentiments you expressed when my father was close to dying were wonderful and I’ll remember them always.

Condolences from myself and Fiona on behalf of our family, my love and best wishes to Jeannie/ James and all xx

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Colin Lyne published a tribute .

So sad to hear of Jim’s death. I knew him quite well when I worked on the Salford City Reporter. Followed the creation of the Mark Addy from its raw state to grand opening. A great loss, but he left a great legacy. Thanks Jim.

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Liz Reece published a tribute .

Oh, I just was telling a story about Jim to a friend and wondered about him and came across this. Condolences. A full life.

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Lucy Mccarthy published a tribute .

Arrangements for the funeral of James (Jim) Ramsbottom
Thursday 1st April,
Agecroft Cemetery & Crematorium, Pendlebury, M27 8SS

11.30am
Funeral cortege will leave from Dukes 92, Castlefield
The procession will travel through some areas of Manchester and Salford which were particularly special to Jim
12.30pm - Service at Agecroft Crematorium Chapel, followed by the burial
1.30pm - Service ends

Due to covid restrictions the service inside the chapel is family only
Family flowers only please
If you have any questions please call Broadoak Independent Funeral Services on 0161 7947499

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Janice Knight. published a comment .

Good Night God Bless you Jim,you are and will always be The Honest Name in Bookmakers.You wont rest you will be planning your next project.All our Love such fond memories of the Ramsbottom family.xx

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Sarah Mcdermott published a comment .

Janice - would you contact the family ? 01617892728 Many thanks

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Johnny Levy published a tribute .

So many amazing memories , about this true Manchester Legend ! I used to look forward to our golf every Saturday at Mottram Hall , and our trips to Portugal ,along with the rest of the group! RIP Jimmy, and thanks for the memories !

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Eddie Killen published a tribute .

So sad to hear about Jim, I knew him quite well in the early 60s. I was 21 when I came out of the army in January 1961 and lived with my parents in West Gorton, just across the road ( Hyde Road ) was where Jim worked in his dads bookies, as I went in there most days i got to know Jim quite well. He used to have an old red mg sports car at the time, I used to borrow it sometimes, if you went round a right hand bend about quick the passenger door would fly open.idont k if Jim was married at the time but I remember Jean usaed to come in the shop when she finished work, I think she worked at the hospital at the time. A few years later about100 yarrds further up on the other side of the road facing my local pub the Unicorn he opened up his own shop

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Andy W published a tribute .

I knew Jim and his son James from De La Salle. He once gave me and my Dad a lift home from Old Trafford in his Rolls Royce what a treat Condolences to his family. RIP Jim one of Salford’s finest sons

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Sheila Seal published a tribute .

I met Jim at the newly opened Castlefield Gallery in 1984 - he was looking for tenants for the soon to be renovated Lock Keepers Cottage and I was lucky enough to be working that day.... Peter and I moved in, my band (The Man From Delmonte) had a ready made rehearsal room with no neighbours to disturb, Peter had a wonderful studio upstairs, and we were the luckiest people with the nicest landlord imaginable! Jack, born in 1986, had Castlefield as his first playground and Rachel, born in 1990, was the the first baby to be actually born in the cottage for many many years. Jim was always so kind and caring. We loved living there. I remember Uncle Albert well, (and his ducks)! Great memories. Thank you Jim. You will be sadly missed but always remembered.

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Mark Hurley published a tribute .

One of my very early memories would guess about 6 or 7 years old am 60 this year was walking round Castlefield with my Dad Ron Hurley who was a good friend of Jim’s telling me that Jim had bought all these warehouses and Uncle Albert (Albert Clapham) who I’d known forever and Alberts is named after, always round at our house would be keeping the properties water tight and in sound condition until the right time for Jim to develop them. Who would have known he would have achieved what he did with that area from a load of run down warehouses. Amazing not many could have had the foresight and ability to achieve that and the other business achievments. Hope you your all having a pint and a laugh together up there x

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Fred published a tribute .

Shrewd , kind , funny , unassuming . Great bloke , Salford lad . Liked by all who met him , Jim always had his feet on the ground . Follow that !!

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Sarah Hunt published a tribute .

So sorry to hear about Jim . Such an important part of my growing up . Love to all the Ramsbotham clan Sarah Hunt xxx

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Wellwishe published a tribute .

I am an Asian guy , never met Jim , never seen him. I can in this country 20 years ago. But I am very impressed with his achievements , what I read in MEN.

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Dr John A Wilkinson Obe published a comment .

I had the pleasure of meeting Jim some 40 years ago and always admired his drive to make so many important things happen.
Jim’s achievements firstly in Castlefield and then the very successful Alberts fine restaurants and the greatness of being a genuine Family business.
Over the years the help and support Jim gave me in my role of Chairman of Salford Reds will be something I will never forget and always be so very great full.
I send my sincere condolences to Jean and the Ramsbottom family at this time of sadness.

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Gillian Boyle published a comment .

Sad to hear this news. I spoke to Jim at the end of the 80's when I worked at Peel Holdings and he needed the title to a bit of land in connection with his Dukes project. Jim's passion for the area was clear and we had a great conversation about the area and his Salford background. I've spent the last 30 years in Property regeneration and Jim' contribution to the City's renewal cannot be over-stated. He really was a visionary and did it off his own back
Rip Jim

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Neil Mort published a comment .

I worked for Jim for 7 years in the 70s and eighties as a betting shop manager and area manager.i had packed my job in with his Denny a Nd gone travelling abroad for 6 months.arrived back in Manchester on Xmas Eve..skint no clothes looking for a job.saw job advert for ramsbottoms in MEN.i got job but only after he took me shopping for clothes haircut(he paid but I had to pay him back) I met my wife there hazel and used to borrow money off him to go on holiday.u could love him and hate him at the same time.i was working at Littleton road shop and Jim arrived at my house at night demanding of my wife where I was as the safe empty at the shop and he thought I had run off with the mone!! What he had forgotten was that we had 2 safes at the shop..a real one and a dummy one! Guess which one he was looking in!!!we ha a good relationship overall but I received plenty of bollockings and he called me a dinosaur more than once even though I was only 30.jim spoke his mind and called a spade a spade but u knew where u stood with him and was the best boss I ever had.he will b missed.

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Phil Read published a comment .

Such a sad loss RIP Jim condolences to all his Family

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Ian published a comment .

Neil. You taught me how to settle beers the 'proper' way longhand; using fractions at Erskine St. You're right, Jim was often blunt but you always knew where you stood. Always fair.

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Don published a tribute .

Happy memories of Jim, generous humorous just a very special person. Son of a great family whom I was welcomed in and will never forget RIP
Don

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John Wilkinson published a comment .

My dad Joe Wilkinson was a formidable punter with Jim , esp in his Gorton shop. My Dad had the upmost respect for Jim and said he was an honourable gentleman.I had the pleasure of being introduced to Jim and he remembered my Dad and was similarly pleasant about his old foe.
Loved what Jim and his family started in Castlefield and always believe his insight and investment was the beginning of the renovation of Manchester.
RIP Jim , great memories from my past.

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Ian Nolan published a comment .

I worked at j mills contractors known jim for years always gentlemen used to drive the rolls Royce about castle field
Bought the building off the ship canal company
Remember him buying the building from j bass on the same street
Converted our workshop into dukes 92
God bless you Jim brilliant down to earth man

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Ian Seaman published a comment .

I had a pint and a good conversation with Jim properly 30 plus years ago in the white Lion on Liverpool road nice gentleman gave me a few good pointers rest in peace my best wishes to the family

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Mark Davies published a comment .

My brother John use to do his book when he had the betting shop on hyde road and it through John how I come to work on Duke 92 what a good man my brother john was really good friend bk in the john has passed last year ... God bless you Jim you was one of a kind ur going to be missed RIP

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Joyce Wakeley published a comment .

Joyce from the willows rest in peace Jim true gentleman

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Brian Slack published a tribute .

I was with Jim at SGS. Most of us went on to University and careers. Jim became a bookie and later property developer. Everything he did involved vision and a deep understanding of people. He never lost his love for Salford. I moved on to Canada but every time I returned on a visit he always found time to meet me and show me what he was doing without any trace of bombast about the wonderful transformations he was making. He touched everyone he came into contact with, an amazing man. Symathies to Jean and the family.

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Allan Grafton Mbe Jp published a tribute .

Very sorry to hear re the passing of Jim the,legend bookmaker .. Condolences to his family ... Allan grafton mbe jp former chair of Manchester betting & gaming committee at Manchester magistrates court

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Cath Connett published a tribute .

Sad news. RIP Jim. I met Jean and Jim forty odd years ago; we lived around the corner from each other and my friend Jackie Goodson was their children's nanny. Jean and Jim supported and advised us in our fight to save The Height Cottages - which we won! The lovely cottages now remain in a Conservation Area on King Street, Queen Street and Claremont Road at Irlams o'th' Height. We had a fab street party to celebrate which Jean and Jim attended - plus I got a spin in their Rolls for a treat. RIP Jim and my condolences to your family.

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Annmarie Lewis published a tribute .

Rest in peace Jim, what a wonderful man, gentleman and visionary God Bless

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Annmarie Lewis published a comment .

I met Jim through Lawrence Millet(of Bauer Millet) many years ago usually at Deansgate locks, probably in Loaf! Wonderful, down to earth charming gentleman may he rest in peace

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Wyn published a tribute .

A true gentleman indeed a most passionate man both for his work and family I've known Jim for 18 years he could be tough and didn't suffer fools but he knew how to get a job done he was also hilarious with a wicked sense of humor in our many chats he always spoke with great pride how the family were running things .
I will miss Jim sorely my deepest condolences go out to Jean and all the family.

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Graham Young published a tribute .

RIP Jim
Great memories of golf at Mottram and at your place in Anglesey

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Mike Maddocks published a tribute .

Jim was Mr Manchester, a true visioanary who single-handed, helped change the face of our our city and also open the eyes of the council to what could be done with post industtrial swathes of dereliction.
He was also just about the best Client I ever had the pleasure to deal with - professional, positive and fair. And, a man who was big enough to make business fun.
He was the man who, looking at an empty Spinningfields, said it would never work as a development until it had its own bridge across the Irwell, to connect it to Salford - the bridge got built and the rest is, as they say, history.....

My very best wishes to James and his family,

Mike Maddocks


Will miss him

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Bernard Young published a tribute .

A true gentleman. I worked as his boardmarker/odd job man in the 70s at Liverpool Rd shop. Occasionally he would give me a lift ( in his Rr) home to my terraced council house in Salford.He would drop me at my front door and as he drove away I would shout " same time tomorrow James, don't be late " The neighbours faces were a picture. Fond memories, RIP Jim

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Mr Arthur J Smith published a tribute .

A Sad loss to manchester's heritage , His legacy to all mancunians is there to see , met him a good few times ,a great sense of humour and a man of fantastic vision , R.I.P. Sir we the people of manchester respect you so so much , To Jim's Family please accept our deepest condolences , from Manchestermozz... Arthur .

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Steve Barlow published a tribute .

I first met Jim in the 70's when i was in my teens and working as a sign writer. We had a workshop behind adjoining Jim's Betting Office on Hyde Road and Jim used to call in for a brew and a chat and take an interest in the work we were doing. i am in my 60's now and am still in touch with my old boss Peter who i have just contacted to tell of Jim's passing which has made him sad as he is a year older. Peter told me a story of when he was working late one night in the workshop and Jim turned up and was surprised anyone was on the premises, Peter said he was working late to finish a job and Jim asked where Peter's car was, it had broken down so Jim said no worries i will give you a lift home to Urmston in the Roller Peter didn't want to put Jim out but he insisted on giving him a lift not only that but let Peter drive the Roller to his house. A generous man and a visionary for Manchester he will be sadly missed. R.I.P.

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Gordon Hood published a tribute .

Very sad news. I knew Jim when I worked with Central Manchester Development Corporation in the late 1980s and 1990s. Not the easiest person to work: he knew what he wanted but with a great sense of humour and a true vision of how Castlefield should be brought back to life. There is no doubted in my mind that Castlefield would have been a very different place without Jim’s vision and determination. Condolences to Jim’s family.

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Norman Crampton published a tribute .

Jim and I have been close friends since our school days at Salford Grammar. It was during those times that a group of kids, all from the same year, came together and simply ‘stuck’. The Lads.
Whatever life path we each travelled, the lads stayed together over the years; bound by the friendship and affection we all felt for one another. Jim and I were among the last of them and we talked a lot about that in recent times with good humour. Now though, I mourn his loss more than I can say. Gone too soon and the world is poorer for his passing.
So I speak now for the lads also gone too soon: Stu McCabe, Alb Tonge, Stan Giverin, Adge Brougham and Dek Meert. For the times, the tales, and the smiles we all shared together over those many years, thank you Jim.

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Craig Butterworth published a tribute .

Worked for Jim and Jean for over 10 years at both the Mark addy and dukes 92, a very nice down to earth man that you could talk to, some amazing story’s I got told about when Jim and Jean 1st started out. RIP Jim and thinking of you all at this sad time xx

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Alfred Barlow published a comment .

I will miss our Jim so much, he was very special to me and always will be. All my heartfelt sympathy goes out to Jean and the family the family I know how you wii all miss him. Jim. Dave and I all grew up together and had many great fun times. I’m very upset about his passing and will really miss him R.I.P Jim god bless you. Alf and Chris.

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Phyllis Holmes (Formerly Simons) published a tribute .

I remember Jim when he was a schoolboy at Salford grammar. I knew him in the 60s with all his pals from salford. They were a great bunch of lads.

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Tony Kelly published a tribute .

The man is a legend. I worked for Him in Whalley Range. People say he had a fiery temper, I never saw that. Although he did bollock me once we were friends again straight after. He didn't hold a grudge.

Before he was selling up he confided to me that he thought he was going skint. I said "I wish I was £10 behind you !" He laughed his head off then took me, in the Roller, to look at a betting office he wanted to buy.

One of Manchester's finest has left us. He won't be forgotten.

R.I.P. Jim.

Condolences to the family.

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Graham Atkinson published a comment .

RIP Jim. A down to earth bloke and a gentleman with time for everyone!
Condolences to the family..

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Ian Maguire published a comment .

Very sorry to hear of JR's passing. He took me on as a 19 year old and I stayed with his bookies until I was 30. Very happy memories of working in all of his shops throughout Manchester, Salford and Wigan. I met some brilliant people along the way.
Hi to Tony and Cath who have also posted on here x

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Janice Knight published a comment .

Hi Ian,amazing how Jim touched so many peoples lives,we worked together at Brooks Bar remember with Tony good old days.x

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John Dean published a tribute .

RIP Jim
My Mother Anne Healey was his area manager in the bookies and worked for him for many years .
She wanted to then purchase her own public house around the same time as he opened the Mark Addy .
He helped her find the pub and guide her when she purchased the travellers call in manchester.
Have many many memories of the man he was a true visionary around manchester.
My Mother and him remained great friends and she also sadly passed away the week before Jim.
Rest in peace Jim and Anne

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Grahame Birtles published a comment .

Hi John, So Sorry to hear your mum. I worked with her at Jim Ramsbottom's in the 80's, I remember the Travellers Call really well. Then a number of years back saw her in the Copper Kettle on the Algarve. She was a really lovely lady.

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John Dean published a comment .

Grahame
She stayed over in the Algarve for many years
They will be up there having a good old chat and cig together
Thanks for your words

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Grahame Birtles published a tribute .

I am truly saddened to hear of Jim’s passing.

Having worked for Jim in the 1980’s at his shops in the Greater Manchester area including Hyde Road and Brooks Bar.

I have so many great memories of working for Jim including a tour in 1981 of Castlefield in his Rolls Royce - it was so different then! I mentioned to him about the registration number plate for sale which he purchased.

Jim was inspirational in all he did, a truly brilliant, visionary man.

Our sincere condolences go to Jean and his family.

Grahame & Sharman Birtles

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Brian Stones published a tribute .

I was 4 years ahead at SGS . A 1000 years behind in Charm , Talent & Ability. RIP Mr Salford

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Janice Knight published a comment .

I Had the privilege of working for Jim over 25 years in the bookmakers.Jim was a peoples person, Jim was a true joy to work for.RIP Jim there will never be another like you.Xx

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W Herbertson published a tribute .

Your vision changed the face of Manchester for the better for so many.
We as Mancunians and all that visit this wonderful city salute you .
Rest in peace Sir

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James Mcgoff published a tribute .

I enjoyed the pleasure of working with Jim and his family on many construction projects in Castlefield. Jim was a passionate, firm and fair client, a true gentlemen. I thoroughly enjoyed his company and humour and I feel privileged to have worked with him on some of his visions that sympathetically reshaped such an important part of Manchester and it’s history. RIP Jim.

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Bill Leaver published a tribute .

RIP Jim all the best Jean & Bill Leaver

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Lee Murphy published a comment .

Sad news knew Jim from playing rugby at de la salle the amout of times people and cars went thru the fence at the side of the house he never made a fuss last saw Jim outside Albert's worsley having a cig top bloke rip jim

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Alan published a tribute .

Greatly admired Jim for what he achieved in life being a Salford lad who attended the same school as I. He made Castlefield and protected it to the best of his ability when other Developers wanted to just make a fast buck off the back of his vision and sympathetic regeneration. I for one, who lives in Castlefield overlooking many of his buildings will not forget this great man. RIP. You have earned it.

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Chris Ewington published a tribute .

I had the pleasure of knowing Jim in the early 90's as his dream to transform Castlefield took root. He wasn't a visionary, he was more than that. I'd say he had 'balls of steel' to take on the risk of converting a forgotten, downtrodden industrial wasteland and turn it into something we now take for granted as 'urban regeneration'. Seeing the potential for the area, from the ashes of Manchester's soot ridden industrial past.

The concept of building a pub, in a square hidden away down a ramshackle cobbled road. As I say beyond visionary... it's incredible the vision he had. He single handlely sped up the regeneration of this forgotten enclave by more than ten years. He had the guts, determination and passion. And what's happened since, he clearly passed that work ethic onto his family. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing suddenly. But that legacy in bricks and mortar will live on for generations to come. Having seen Frank Sidebottoms statue in Timperley, I fully expect Jim to appear somewhere in the castle he helped build. Well done Jim, good effort. I think you're bet to 'back it' paid off. rest in peace.

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Stephen Hodder published a tribute .

We’ve lost one of Manchester’s characters. I have fond memories of seeing Jim in and around Castlefield...I loved his humour and frankness. What he achieved was transformational and inspirational for a good deal of regeneration that followed. He will be greatly missed.
Sincere condolences to the family.
Best wishes
Stephen Hodder and all at Hodder+Partners

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Breeda published a tribute .

Sorry to hear this sad news. Rest in peace x

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Cath Lavelle published a tribute .

I worked for Jim for many years in a number of his betting shops. He and Jean treated their staff very well and I always felt welcome in the wider Ransbottom "family". I am very sad to hear this news and Bernard and I would like to send our condolences and love to Jean, Sarah, Kate, Beth, James and Lucy and their families. Rest Ib Peace Jim. You were a true gentleman and leave a tremendous legacy behind you.

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Anthony Dowd published a comment .

RIP Jim

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John Hutchinson published a comment .

Never met the man.
But I did visit the MARK ADDY on a number of ooccasions.
A man who was not afraid to take a gamble. A saviour of Manchesters industrial heritage
Rest your soul JIM ,you will be missed.
SINCERE condolences to his family.

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Michael published a tribute .

Sounds like an amazing man who loved Manchester and Salford...............R.I.P geezer

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Stephen Davis published a tribute .

Just to say thank you for the regeneration of the castlefield area, i am just an ordinary joe , who used to take my children when i had access during the mid 90s, castlefield means so much to me and my children [ who all have children of there own ] they to , take their children and recite the history and importance of our special place . This all down to jim ramsbottom , i can remember standing outside the offices he had at castlfield to see if i could meet him personally so i could thank him for what he had achieved but didnt have the balls to do so !. I can remember reading about him in the manchester evening news when he was doing this regeneration work, so a big thank you from the davis family , also , my sincere condolences and love to the family , and keep up the good work in his memory, god bless you all, regards, Steve d...

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Victoria Casey published a comment .

RIP Jim, met him when I worked as a chef in Dukes 92 many years ago. A very down to earth man and always had a chat about Salford where I lived, and the stories of how he started out. He always had time for his staff. A lovely man, condolences to his family,

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Barney Dowling published a comment .

RIP Jim. I worked for Jim in the 80’s and on my 1st day he picked me up from my flat in moss side in a Rolls Royce ,

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Victoria Allen published a tribute .

This is such sad news, I was only thinking of Jim the other day. I worked for the family from 2010 to 2016 in the restaurants and office . Jim would always ask how I and my son ( he would always call him by name) was doing and have a good chat, he showed interest and cared. He will be missed.

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Martine Somers published a tribute .

My condolences are with Jim’s family at this very sad time.

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