A coppersmith by trade – he worked for many years at the British Railways plant in Eastleigh – Jim was a competent wicketkeeper with Flamingo, Hyde Ramblers and Trojans, also playing for Southern Rail in the annual four region national competition for many years.

Upon retirement, he became a founding member of the South Coast Panel of Officials, standing regularly in Southern Premier League matches.

Off the field he made a significant contribution as SPL results and registration secretary before moving on to become Hampshire scorer.

In those days, the weekend results were logged manually, as indeed were player registrations – both time-consuming tasks.

Jim's work was recognised in 2008 when the Southern Premier League made him a Life Vice President.

Hampshire Cricket Secretary Tim Tremlett recalled: “When we moved to the Rose Bowl at West End, Jim was employed as a Scoreboard Operator and in July 2003 and, alongside Vic Isaacs and Tony Weld, assisted in scoring the first ODI staged at the ground between South Africa and Zimbabwe.

“The 2003 season was also the first year that the ECB introduced their new T20 Tournament.

“At this time, the Shane Warne Stand had yet to be built and the score box was situated in a temporary Portacabin on the West Side of the ground overlooking the playing area. It was far from comfortable especially during the summer months when the weather started to warm up.

“Jim never complained, always turned up on time and carried out his duties conscientiously and most diligently.

“The scorer’s room moved into the newly built Shane Warne Stand in 2010 where he continued to work alongside his long-time friend Tony Weld, whom he had known from his days standing as a umpire in the Southern League and County 2nd XI cricket."

Jim was ever-present each summer until he retired before the start of the 2016 season and at this time he was awarded an Honorary Life Membership by Chairman, Rod Bransgrove.

Jimmy Lark, who lived in Allbrook, thoroughly enjoyed his cricketing days, enjoying every minute he spent playing, umpiring and scoring.

His funeral is at Wessex Vale on November 9 (11.30am) and afterwards at The Otter in Otterbourne.