James "Jimmy" Neilson 1933 - 2019

 

The Association is saddened to report the passing of Life Member James “Jimmy” Neilson at the age of 86.

Jimmy was a stalwart of the greenkeeping industry and of BIGGA and is pictured above alongside his great friend Cecil George, who passed away in January this year.

Prior to the formation of BIGGA, Jimmy served as President of the Scottish Association. He retained an interest and involvement for decades after his retirement from Murrayfield Golf Club.

Jimmy died at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, surrounded by his family, after suddenly taking ill.

Daughter-in-law Buffy Neilson said: "We've had so many lovely comments. I never knew that people had so much respect for him. It's really humbling to have received so many kind messages since my father-in-law passed away. I was able to show Val, his wife, and it was really incredible and heart-warming."

Jimmy's funeral will take place on Monday 16 September at 1pm at Liberton Cemetary in Edinburgh, to which all are welcome. There will be a gathering afterwards at Silverknowes Golf Club, where Jimmy was a member for many years.