James Gregory (6 May 1936 - 23 Jan 2019)

In memory of Uncle Jim

I first met Jim in 1951 when we both joined the Coventry Magic Circle. It turned out our style of magic was very similar and we enjoyed performing together over the years at numerous events.
I’ll certainly miss our friendship and the banter that we shared together.

I first met Jim in 1957 when I started work at the BTH in Coventry, Jim had just completed his National Service and took me under his wing showing the 'new boy' the ropes. Later I followed him to Massey Ferguson where again he broke me gently in. No one ever had a finer friend and although in later years we didn't meet up so often, I will always regard him as one of my best friends. A lovely man who will be sadly missed by many. RIP Jim

I first met Jim just over sixty years ago on his return to the BTH drawing office; where we were both apprentices; from his RAF national service in Hong Kong. I first came across the magical side of his life when he gave a show at our apprentice annual dinner at the General Wolfe. I helped him ‘prepare’ his tail coat for the performance. He carefully filled the large number of additional pockets his Hong Kong tailor had fitted into his coat. The relaxed performance was excellent, performing in front of his own colleagues is never easy.
It was during this time that I first met his future wife; Maureen. Jim had taken me on his Scooter out from work on a job hunt! Afterwards, I dismounted from the scooter and was replaced by Maureen.
We both left the BTH and went our separate ways for most of the next nearly sixty years, remaining in contact through Christmas cards and the regular Old Apprentices annual get together. These events organized in its later years by Jim. was I think the last occasion we met: at the Kenilworth rugger club.
Eating dinner one evening in our inner city home; knock at the door, Jeanne answers it, comes back in, followed by a relaxed Jim, and the chat continued from where we’d left off some years before. He had dropped his daughter off for a Magic class at the Liberal Club.
Then I was teaching in primary schools, on supply. I found Maureen on the staff at Howes school. On the second or third day there just before home time my classroom door opens and in strolls Jim! I hadn’t known that he was to pick Maureen up nor that she was next door and had told him that I was there. We three were later home than intended that afternoon.
Apart from a few calls at their home in Saddington Road, the only other time I met up with Jim was his wonderful 60th. birthday event when Maureen had hired the Warwick University swing band to help Jim into his seventh decade. It was a wonderful evening.
I’ll miss Jim, even though we rarely met, you knew he was always there as a friend you could rely on,
John Graham

Mr G - never saw him without his lovely smile.
Sending my love to Jen and the rest of the family. xx

Jim was a fun person to be around. He was interesting, and always entertaining. He became part of my life in my early 20s when I met Tracey who I know he meant so much to. His kind and caring side was never so apparent until Tracey fell ill and eventually passed away. His friendship and love for Traceys family will never be forgotten and very sadly missed

Jim and Maureen made we welcome in to their home from the very first day I made friends with Jen. Jim knew my voice when I phoned, and he always add a bit of extra magic when I came to visit. I give Thanks for your amazing daughter Jen. Love Me! X

Jim was my second cousin from the Ireland side of the family. We made contact through our interest in family history, and actually met up on a few occasions, the last time being about 3 years ago at Hambleton. A true gentleman it was a pleasure to have known Jim. My condolences to his family.

Jim was a lovely gentle gentleman. We had many great Skyp's when we both could get the stupid thing to work. It was great being able to talk about people, places and other Magicians we both knew in the business. I shall miss you Jim, now I have lovely memories.You were a Magic man. Sleep well. Jackie x

In memory of my cousin Jim Gregory - alovely man.

Sad to hear of Jim's passing. I first made contact with him in 2008 when we discovered we were cousins (GILKES). In talking on the internet we were amazed to realise that he had been great friends with my husbands great uncle Louis Flynn, a fellow magician, and his wife Dorothy. I delighted in hearing from him and was sad not to get a message this Christmas. Our condolences to you all, our thoughts will be with you on 18th Feb.

Have happy childhood memories of visits to Jim and Maureen's over my school holidays-Maureen took Julian and I out on great trips, sometimes Jim came too. One day we all went to Weston-super-Mare together. Such a lovely sunny day. Jim was always cheerful and made it fun. I also remember him encouraging us as children to be creative, and play good snooker. He was a pro.

Always enjoyed Jim’s company, talking magic and never failed to have a laugh. He was great guy and will be greatly missed. Thinking of his family at this sad time.

Always enjoyed being in Jim’s Company, talking magic and always had a laugh. He was a great guy and will be greatly missed. Thoughts to his family at this sad time.

Always enjoyed Jim’s company. Always had a laugh. Such a great guy. He will be missed. His family are in my th-ughts.