A ‘caring man with an infectious laugh’ died when his motorbike collided with a car in Lancashire.
Former police officer Jim Barnes, 70, was riding his Honda motorbike along Hall Lane, outside Lathom near Ormskirk, when he crashed on September 6.
He died at the scene on the rural road.
Jim’s children and granddaughter may find some solace in the fact he was doing what he loved before he died.
‘His love of trains, motorbikes, cars and time with his family was well known and he loved just driving/riding all his life’, his family, from Thornton Cleveleys, said.
Describing Jim, originally from St Helens, as a caring, happy and funny man, they said: ‘We couldn’t have asked for a better Dad/Grandad who was always there for us and will be greatly missed, probably more than he realised.
‘Jim was brought up in St Helens and attended Cowley School. He was well known around the Blackpool area where he attended Poulton College and spent most of his adult life with his beloved wife Lynn (who sadly passed away in 2009).
‘He was a serving police officer for 30 years, predominantly on traffic and in and around the Fylde coast. He was a Cub Scout leader and a dedicated Freemason.
‘He put considerable efforts into helping people and raising money for charity and was always on hand if needed.
‘Jim will be remembered as a happy, caring man with an infectious laugh and great sense of humour who always had a funny story to share.’
They added: ‘He is survived by his two children, Chris and Jane and one granddaughter, all of whom he loved dearly.’
Police are appealing for witnesses to help with their investigation into the collision, which happened around 10.40am that day.
The driver of the Dacia Jogger with which Jim collided was uninjured.
Inspector Chris Walsh said: ‘This collision has very sadly resulted in a man losing his life and my thoughts are with his loved ones at this time.
‘I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision or who has any CCTV, dashcam or mobile footage to get in touch.’
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