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Funeral date for former St Helens Town chairman Jim Barrett

The service will take place at St Helens Crematorium at 10.30am on Friday, 13 November.

Jim, who died on October 5 aged 79, was one of the most respected and influential figures in Town's history with his unwavering commitment, passion and devotion helping shape the club through almost five decades of service.

In that time he served as press officer, programme editor, treasurer, secretary, director, groundsman, PA announcer and valued volunteer with a contribution that will be remembered with immense gratitude by players, officials, supporters and friends throughout the region.

Jim's formal involvement with St Helens Town began during the 1979-80 season when he joined the club committee.

He was elected Chairman in March 1990, a position he held for 17 years; making him the longest-serving Chairman in the club's history.

While he always regarded the role as a tremendous honour, his contribution went far beyond the boardroom.

Whether maintaining the ground, reviving the club's match programme, helping in the social club or carrying out countless behind-the-scenes tasks, Jim embodied the spirit of volunteerism that underpins non-league football.

Having played his part in the remarkable FA Vase run and Wembley triumph of 1987, he later experienced the disappointment of narrowly losing two major cup finals during the 1990s.

Throughout every success and setback, his commitment to the club remained steadfast.

As Chairman, Jim also oversaw periods of considerable change.

He managed increased demands when Runcorn Highfield ground-shared at Hoghton Road, regularly helping prepare the venue for both football and rugby league fixtures.

He was instrumental during the arrival of St Helens Greyhound Company in 1993 and later through the difficult transition from the club's historic Hoghton Road home in 2000.

One of Jim's proudest personal moments came later that same year when he represented St Helens Town at Wembley Stadium as the standard bearer in the parade of former FA Vase winners before the final FA Vase Final to be held at the original Wembley Stadium.

His contribution to football was recognised in 2014 when he received an award from the Liverpool County FA for 35 years of service to St Helens Town.

In 2007, aged 60, Jim stepped back from his principal committee responsibilities but he remained a director until the summer of 2022 and continued to support matchday operations whenever possible.

Only declining health prevented him from maintaining the regular presence that had become so familiar to generations of supporters.

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