Tributes have been paid to a former mayor who dedicated decades of his life to public service.
Jack Grime served as a Labour councillor in his home village of Church for more than 30 years and became Hyndburn Mayor in 1984 - one of his proudest moments.
He was also awarded an MBE for his services to Lancashire in 1988 and later became an Alderman of the Borough of Hyndburn.
Well-known across the borough as a governor at schools including St Christopher’s, Jack was also a Methodist preacher and was connected with the Methodist Youth Circuit.
He also sat on various committees including Age Concern and National Children’s Home and sat as a Justice of the Peace.
He died peacefully at Church View Care Home on Thursday, March 26, aged 87.
Maureen Grime, whose husband Alan was Jack’s nephew, said he worked tirelessly for the community.
She said: “He was very public spirited, that was his life. He enjoyed meeting people and talking to everyone - he was very sociable. He was so busy that it was sometimes quite hard to get hold of him.
“Jack was brought up in Church. His community work was very important to him. He enjoyed a good laugh and a sing - I think he would joined a choir if he had time.
“I just remember him as a bubbly person. He was kind and did things for people across the spectrum.”
Jack was born in Church and grew up on Buckingham Grove, starting his working life at Schofield Pies.
He later changed job roles and worked for G.E.C, based in Clayton-le-Moors for many years.
Coun Dave Parkins, who worked alongside Jack as a councillor, said he will be sadly missed.
He said: “He was grassroots was Jack. Any complaints people had, he would sort it out.
“He was very friendly and well-known. He was a dedicated councillor and a good mayor. Everybody knew Mr Grime - he was one of the boys.
“He was very well respected and I’m very sorry he’s gone.”
A dearly loved brother of his late twin Thomas and sister Ethel, Jack was a much-loved cousin and a dear uncle. His funeral service will take place on Tuesday, April 7, at 10.30am at Antley Methodist Church, Accrington, prior to interment at Dill Hill Cemetery.
