A dedicated and life-long volunteer who was well known in many circles has died aged 89.
From fundraising for good causes to being at the helm of charities, James Tubby devoted his entire life to helping others.
Born north of Norwich in Haveringland, near Horsford, Mr Tubby was the third of four siblings arriving on November 3, 1933.
He joined his sisters Betty (1927) and Beryl (1931), before welcoming his brother Desmond (1940) on his seventh birthday.
“Our mother, Edith, who was the school cook, apologised to him for not getting him a birthday present that year,” Desmond said.
“Then a baby brother arrived on his birthday – a gesture he was not happy with at the time! He quickly got over it though.”
Mr Tubby grew up in his local area and attended school there before being called up to do his National Service during the 1950s.
He served as a clerical assistant to British Army medical consultants at the Queen Alexandra Military Hospital in London – a move Desmond described as “the making of him”.
Mr Tubby went on to be an office manager for the Frettenham Lime Co Ltd for his entire working career before it ceased trading.
But arguably, it was his dedication to fundraising and supporting many charities that he will be remembered for.
Mr Tubby was a major contributor to the work of Scope in Norwich in its early stages, ahead of and during its rebranding. He went on to become its vice chairman and received a 10-year long-service award for his efforts.
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He assisted with considerable donations to Parkinson’s UK, the new cancer unit at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (Nnuh), arthritis research with the Arthritis Foundation, Marie Curie cancer care, and Support for Sick Newborn and Parents (Ssnap).
A former local correspondent for the Eastern Daily Press, he also supported St Peter's Church in Haveringland, fundraising for it with his sister Beryl, and was its church warden for 10 years after previously being elected to the Parochial Church Council in 1957.
In 1979, he was presented with a Richard Young oil painting of the church for long service and work in the community.
Desmond added: “He was a very, very active man. He was extremely well-known, and he devoted his life to helping others.”
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Mr Tubby moved to Christopher Close in Norwich almost 45 years ago, following the death of his mother. His sister Betty died 15 years ago, while Beryl died in 2021.
He was a Norwich City FC supporter and a season ticket holder for 50 years.
Mr Tubby died on December 19 with his friends by his side at the NNUH following deteriorating health and subsequent chest infection after a fall and hip surgery.
His funeral service took place on January 17 at St Peter's Church, which was completely filled with around 60 attendees. Donations in his memory have been raised for the British Heart Foundation and Parkinson's UK.
- To pay tribute to a loved one, email norfolkobituaries@newsquest.co.uk
- To read all obituaries and tributes join the Facebook group Norfolk's Loved & Lost.
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