A POPULAR Port Glasgow shipbuilder who worked his way up to the top has passed away at the age of 79.

Jim Findlay, pictured, left school at 15 to become a tea and mail boy in Lithgows — and ended up in main managerial positions.

He attended Jean Street Primary and Port Glasgow High and, after joining Lithgows, served an apprenticeship as a draughtsman in the drawing and design offices.

Mr Findlay then became Lithgows’ nightshift manager at the Kingston and East yards and building berth manager at the Kingston.

He moved to Ferguson’s, where he was fitting manager, shipyard manager, shipbuilding manager and finally operations director of the yard and a director of its subsidiary Newark Joiners.

Jim was a well-known face along the Clyde and among the shipbuilding community at large.

He took great pride in being involved in building many Caledonian MacBrayne ferries.

Ferguson’s manager director Richard Deane today paid tribute to Jim.

Mr Deane said: “I recall meeting Jim 25 years ago. He went to great lengths to explain the complexities of shipbuilding to me, and was of great assistance to me.” When Jim retired in August 2000, after 50 years in shipbuilding, he was in a position to spend more time with his family and enjoy his many and varied interests, including books, golf, art, calligraphy and Robert Burns.

He was always passionate about books, and recently set up a library within Balclutha Court care home in Greenock, which the staff named The Jim Findlay Library in his honour.

He was a past president of Greenock Burns Club (The Mother Club) and was involved in many other community groups around Inverclyde, including serving on the executive board of Greenock Abbeyfield Homes and as treasurer of Port Glasgow Civic Art exhibition committee.

He was a member of Ardgowan Bowling Club and Greenock Rotary, where he was awarded Rotary’s highest honour, the Paul Harris Fellowship.

Jim is survived by his wife Janette, daughter Gill, son Graham and two granddaughters.

He passed away peacefully at home on 3 November with his family by his side.