James Barron 1929 – 2012

February 23rd, 2013 by JCB
Posted in Obituaries | No Comments »

Born in Dornoch in Sutherland and educated in the family’s native Inverness, James developed his love for the sea through annual trips to the West coast of Scotland with his father, who in his role as Inspector of Schools, had to carry out visits to island schools.

The young James was fascinated by MacBrayne’s steamers and the wartime naval frigates in that area at the time and decided then that he wanted to embark on a nautical career.

Following his heart he joined the Merchant Navy as a cadet with the Donaldson Line in July 1947 and came to the College of Nautical Studies in Glasgow.   His first voyages were on the SS Norwegian to Montreal, getting what protection he could from a canvas dodger on the open bridge.   Seeking a bit of warmth, he joined the Blue Funnel Line in May 1951 as 3^rd Mate on the MV Hector.   It was the beginning of 11 years’ service with the company, running to Australia and the Far East, during which time he gained his Masters Certificate in October 1956.

By the early 1960s, and now with 4 young children at home, he decided that it was time to come ashore.   From April 1960 until March 1961 he acted as Blue Funnel’s Assistant Marine Superintendent at the Royal Docks in London.  Then, after another year at sea, he joined the Clyde Pilotage Authority in December 1962.   From 1968 to 1979, he also acted as Trials Master for Cammel Laird sea trials.

A meticulous man, and highly regarded by his colleagues, he documented every ship he piloted until his retirement in February 1988.

After retirement, and as always attracted by the sea, he obtained his Department of Transport Boatman’s Licence allowing him to escort river cruises on the Clyde for two summer seasons.  He also worked as a relief 2^nd mate for Caledonian MacBrayne.  The last entry in his Seaman’s Record Book, dating from 1947, reads for March 1989: Ardrossan – Brodick  Ferry, 2^nd Mate – and, as it had been for the previous 42 years – VG – for ability and general conduct! Away from the sea he enjoyed summers spent touring the length and breadth of Britain in the family caravan. A practical man, he could turn his hand to almost every project involving joinery and carpentry. As testament to this he spent many a long winter’s day painstakingly constructing scale model ships, three of which form the Blue Funnel line are pictured below.

From front: ‘Stentor’, ‘Dardanus’ and ‘Helenus’

Diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2010, and in failing health, he never lost interest in the ships that passed the window of his Gourock home. As befits a man of the sea his ashes were scattered in his beloved Clyde. Having celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary only a month before his death he is survived by his wife Christine, 3 sons and a daughter and 6 grandchildren who all hold fond memories of him and of his seafaring tales, invariably told with his wry sense of humour.

Rod Barron (son)