Jim is pictured centre presenting a cheque to Beacon.
An amateur football stalwart who helped raise thousands of pounds for the Beacon Centre for the Blind through the JW Hunt Cup has died at the age of 83.
Tributes have been paid to Jim Cartwright, who was Chairman of the charity football competition between 1994 and 2007 and also played an integral role in several clubs and football leagues in Wolverhampton.
Having first served as a player locally for the Wolverhampton Public Works team, he became involved behind the scenes while managing the McAlpine Sports FC in the Wolverhampton Works League in the 1970s when he attended committee meetings to discuss league club business. Within a few years, he was invited to join the league’s executive committee
He later joined Marston’s FC committee and played an important role in the club’s success during the 1980s. He even put his skills as a carpenter to good use when the club moved to a new ground building two technical area shelters that were in use until just a few years ago.
When the club merged with Wyrley Rangers he became treasurer. He also served as Chairman of the Works League Committee and its replacement as well as helping select club players to represent their league. All this was in addition to his role as chairman of the JW Hunt Cup, a competition was created in 1926 to help raise funds solely for Beacon and has donated £376,000 to date.
Away from football, he married his wife Diane in 1962 and the couple lived in Albrighton. As well as Diane he leaves behind their two daughters and four grandchildren.
He worked as a carpenter and estimator in his career and while at work he also went of his way to support community activities helping to organise Christmas parties for children and running the bar at a company social club.
He even found time to sing, serving as a member of the Mercia Men’s Chorus.
Mrs Cartwright said her husband had very much enjoyed his role with the JW Hunt Cup and added: “He enjoyed raising money for a good cause. Football was his big love; he liked the chance to get involved and make a difference for other people.”
JW Hunt Cup Secretary Alan Ryder added: “He was a focused, loyal, reliable hard-working individual and friend. He was held in high esteem on the local football scene and was welcomed wherever he went.”