Tributes to former Reporter boss Jim Fowler

A FORMER director and general manager of the Reporter has died at the age of 88.

Jim Fowler, who lived at Dacre, Harrogate, was appointed commercial manager of the Reporter in 1978, later becoming general manager, a position he held until his retirement in December 1987.

Previously he was sales supervisor of the Yorkshire Post display advertising department for 10 years

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Born in Leeds, Mr Fowler spent the whole of his working life in newspapers, serving with Yorkshire Post Newspapers for 49 years.

Starting as an office boy with the then Yorkshire Conservative Newspapers at the age of 15.

He worked his way up through the advertising department of the Yorkshire Post and Yorkshire Evening Post before coming to the Reporter.

Daughter Lesley Wright said: “He loved newspapers.

“He always read the Yorkshire Post and Yorkshire Evening Post every day.”

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Mr Fowler was a keen sportsman, playing for Leeds United juniors in his youth and he played cricket for Pool-in-Wharfedale and the Yorkshire Post until he was well into his 50s.

A supporter of both Leeds United and Leeds rugby league on his retirement he took up golf and was a member of Masham GC.

Mr Fowler was also a keen gardener

He retained his contact with colleagues in advertising as a member of the Solus Club.

“They meet once a month at the Half Moon in Pool-in-Wharfedale and he never missed a meeting,” said Mrs Wright.

Mr Fowler’s funeral took place at Harrogate Crematorium on Wednesday.

He leaves wife Jean, Lesley and son-in-law Michael.