We’re very sorry to report that Jim Hitchen died in hospital in Milton Keynes in the early hours of 1st February.
All Trust members who had any interaction with Jim knew that he was a dedicated heritage railway man. From the early times when we set up our volunteer Working Parties Jim was a regular attendee, willing to tackle any job as you can see from the pictures. We also know that Jim also regularly attended the Gloucester Warwickshire Railway, where he took on bigger infrastructure projects.
Jim’s wife, Sue, told me that in recent months, Jim very much missed being able to keep up with all his railway-based interests, including the Duke of Gloucester. Jim had requested a simple, unattended, direct cremation, and so there will be no formal funeral. Jim’s family will remember and celebrate his life in their own time.
Jim’s condition had deteriorated very quickly in December and January, with three admissions to hospital over this time. Jim died with pneumonia, together with the existing metastatic prostate cancer. Jim’s family have set up a fundraising page if any friends of the Duke wish to make a donation in Jim’s memory, the Trust are keen to support this. The page is at: Fundraising in memory of Jim Hitchen
We’ll miss you, Jim. Rest in peace.
