Birkenhead Park RFC

The club is sad to report that Park legend Jim Crowe has passed away.

Funeral arrangements April 22^nd at Holy Name Church, Beresford Road , Birkenhead, 1.00pm, Afterwards at Prenton Golf Club

Obituary

JIM CROWE  (1932 – 2022)

Jim enjoyed a long playing career with Birkenhead Park and Cheshire and was a hugely respected back row forward with a reputation for being one of the toughest but fairest in the land. Jim was Captain of Park in the 1961/2 and 1962/3 seasons and again in the 1967/68 season. In 1961 Jim played Number 8 for Cheshire when they defeated Devon at the Upper Park to win the County Championship for only the second time in their history. The match was a replay following a nil all draw in Devon and is the subject of Phil Tarleton’s latest history board in the clubhouse on which Jim features prominently- a fitting tribute indeed to a great player. In those days the County Championship was the premier representative competition and second only to International honours. Jim’s playing career extended into a third decade and he went on the 1972 Centenary Tour to Italy and continued to play down the teams as a good clubman did in those days.

After finally hanging up his boots Jim took over as 1^st Team Manager and enjoyed the 1981 Jamaica tour in this capacity. Jim was a very popular manager sharing his great rugby knowledge and wisdom with the players and always carrying out his duties with an unfailing sense of humour. He was a great ambassador for the Club throughout his long membership and was a keen supporter of the Park Seniors fund raising group in recent years.  Jim’s life was celebrated by his surviving former playing colleagues and members at the recent 150^th Anniversary reunion lunch prior to the Penrith match.                   

Jim attended Birkenhead Institute and was a proud Old Instonian and went on to a successful career in HM Customs and Excise. In addition with wife Laura he set up and helped run Crowe Travel agency in Claughton for many years. He enjoyed travel and also became a proficient golfer at Prenton Golf Club where he made many lasting friendships.

Jim will be very sorely missed and fondly remembered at Park and our sincere condolences go to his family and numerous friends.

Peter Greville

Vice President