Shipmate Jim McKay has Crossed the Bar, 24 September 2017

It is with deep sadness that Huntingdon & District Branch, Royal Naval Association, announce that our shipmate, Jim McKay has Crossed the Bar.

S/M Jim McKay was a much loved member of Huntingdon & District Branch, along with S/M Monica McKay, the pair always took part in branch events when they were able to, sadly through ill health Jim and Monica stopped attending the Branch meetings but were always with us in spirit until, sadly, S/M Monica McKay Crossed the Bar on 13 Aug 2015.

Jim’s naval career began in 1947 when he joined HMS Royal Arthur as a Sick Berth Attendant. In September 1947, he was stationed at HMS Gosling, before joining HMS Drake.

On leaving HMS Drake, Jim was drafted to HMS Harrier in 1949 where he met Monica, a Radar Operator in the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS), they fell in love, got married and spent their lives together until Monica’s passing in 2015.

Jim returned to HMS Drake in October 1949 and was discharged from the Royal Navy on 24 November 1949, his service records showed that he was a rating with VG (Very Good) character, a trait that remained with him throughout his life.

Jim and Monica were proud of their naval service, both joined the Royal Naval Association and provided support to their fellow shipmates, including acting as an independent auditor for the Branch accounts.

Although Jim and Monica were at the annual branch BBQ in 2013, their last annual dinner that they were well enough to attend was in 2011, a great evening that they both enjoyed.

With Jim’s health deteriorating, Jim moved into Cromwell Care Home. He was always thought of by his branch shipmates and was even more pleased when S/M Pete Aston visited him and presented a Branch coaster to celebrate 35 years since the formation of the Branch in 2016.

 

Funeral details are to be announced, for now, our thoughts are with Jim and Monica’s family, rest in peace shipmates.