James BarrieSIMMSPeacefully, on October 9th 2025, at St Leonard's Hospice in York, at the age of 89. Devoted husband of the late Hilary, much loved dad to Jane and Helen, beloved grandad of Amy, Jim, Billy, Holly and Tom, great-grandad to Charlie, dear brother to Les, and a dear uncle, father-in-law, brother-in-law, grandad-in-law and friend to many.
Barrie was probably the last remaining teacher at the original Westcliff Secondary Modern school, before it became Thomas Sumpter. He was recognised by many as 'old school' - always immaculately dressed, correct and measured in speech; indeed, professional in all respects.
He was a skilled craftsman, specialising in woodwork - a choice of career he was set on ever since leaving 'Green School'. His expectations of pupils, in terms both of their craft ability and personal behaviour, were high. His finest contribution to the youngsters who passed through his hands lay not in the areas of ash, oak or Parana pine, but as a role model who embodied ideas of honesty, integrity and bearing.
The introduction of computers into the world of education - woodwork became 'craft, design and technology' - didn't sit easy with Barrie. As he reasoned at the time, his lack of keyboard skills had little bearing on his ability to cut a perfect dovetail joint. He endured his one and only visitation from 'the education police' around 1992, and they judged his lesson to be 'excellent'. Nevertheless, he decided to leave, despite pleas from colleagues to reconsider, and went on to hone a completely different set of skills on the golf courses of North Lincolnshire.
He was sorely missed by friends, colleagues and pupils from Thomas Sumpter. He was a real gentleman.
Funeral service and farewell at York Cemetery on Thursday October 30th at 11.40am, and afterwards we will celebrate Barrie's life at The Winning Post on Bishopthorpe Road, York.
Donations gratefully accepted for St Leonard's Hospice in York. https://bazsimms.muchloved.com/
Keep me informed of updates
