The obituary notice of Jim ALLISON

This poem was written by Dan Smith, our Funeral Celebrant, and refers to Dad’s love of Geckos. We loved both the poem and the way Dan captured the spirit of Jim Allison our dearly departed Dad. It was brilliantly delivered at Dad’s funeral by Shani in an emotional tribute to Dad.

A Gecko rests upon his name,
A symbol now, a gentle flame.
It came to him beneath the sun,
And ever since, it’s been the one.

It clings to cars, to walls, to hearts,
A little sign that love departs,
Not into silence, not away,
But walks beside us every day.

So when you see that Gecko near,
Think of his laugh, his song, his cheer.
For just like it, he’ll not let go
He’s with you still… and always so.

By Dan Smith

Jim is now at rest. His funeral was attended by over 100 family, friends and acquaintances. Some even travelled from distant lands and the four parts of the UK for this one day. A remarkable tribute to a remarkable man. Dan, the celebrant, handled it all brilliantly with great skill and humility. He was an exceptional young man.
All the younger immediate family members had the opportunity to eulogise Jim with love and humour. And l am sure his children and grandchildren found this very comforting. They did him proud.
His son, Glenn, was immense delivering a powerful 5 minute tribute to his loving dad with great poise and dignity. His daughter, Shani, ended the proceedings with her own beautiful tribute.
I was honoured to be there.
But as Jim would sing in his own words "That's Life". You are missed and loved every day, Jim.

It is with a heavy heart I say good bye to my friend Jim.
However, I also have deep gratitude, because I was blessed to have known and love him for 33 years.
Jim was more than just a friend—he was family, my confidant, my laughter in hard times, he had a way of making every room brighter, whether it was through a kind word, a silly joke, or just his presence, we shared a true friendship.

Though I wish we had more time together, I know that the memories we shared, I will be cherish forever.
I will miss him dearly, rest in peace and smile down at us from Heaven.
Your friend Maryam

My deepest sympathy to Jackie Glenn and family. Jim and I had some laughs on the golf course. When he broke out into song I would tell not to give up his day job. He will be greatly miss by all who knew him. Jim lived respected and died regretted.
Ray Gowan

Jim will be missed by all my family and will always have a special place in our hearts.
He will especially be remembered for all the laughter and chats we shared at all the parties, such fun.
Thank you Jim for all those wonderful memories which will be cherished.
With all our love from Toulouse, Sonia, Simon, Raphaël and Juliette xxx

So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was A neighbour and friend to my in laws Anna & John Burlinson and myself and late husband Peter had many happy times with Jackie & Jim at various Masonic functions including our Ladies night when Jim was one of the men to sing to me. God Bless Jim Rest in Peace Anne Rochester ( was Burlinson)