Dad – James Crozier Scouller (1938-2010)

Just thought that I would post the eulogy for my Dad’s funeral that happened last Monday 12th his birthday.

James Crozier Scouller (1938-2010)

This sounds so formal as everyone knew him as Jim or Jimmy. He was born in Aberdeen in 1938 and about 3 years later he moved to North London where he spent the rest of his life. Jim was the oldest of 5 children and his siblings are Mary (deceased), Leslie, Michael and Elizabeth.

After school Jim initially started to train as a French polisher. Due to a perforated eardrum he was unable to do National Service. He then followed in his family’s footsteps and became a fishmonger.

In the mid 50s he met Eileen Summers at Alexandra Palace, in the dark. On their first date he did not recognise her, but when he did, was quick to tell her that he had no money so could not take her anywhere. This was the story of his life. Eileen was the love of his life, as he insisted on telling everyone until the end. They went on to have 2 children – Lesley and David. And then there were 2 grandchildren – Max and Cameron. Jim loved little children.

In spite of his upbringing in England, he never forgot his roots and remained fiercely Scottish to the end, always supporting Scotland in any sporting event that took place.

Jim loved to fish. He was never happier than when he was by water, be it sea, river, or even looking into the window of a fishmonger’s shop. In his teens he regularly took his little ‘bro’ Reg fishing on the River Lea and other places.

Later in life his favourite saying was that he was ‘going to see a man about a dog’. This inevitably meant that he was going to the pub. He was great socialite and had many friends. He even used to go to the pub with his daughter and her friends.

As a fishmonger he always brought home the unexpected, much to the dismay of Eileen. Sometimes it was eels, others it was lobster – on each occasion wriggling across the kitchen worktop, still in their plastic bag. Often he would not tell Eileen which fish he had cooked until she had tasted it, for example in the 1980s he brought home shark. He loved to cook fish. Lesley remembers sitting so close to him at supper (after her bed time) so she could taste something delicious that he had cooked. Usually it was one of the most expensive fish, such as halibut. So she was told she had champagne taste but beer money – thanks to dad she still does.

During the 80s Jim worked for a Jewish fishmonger where he fitted in well. However, he would take in sandwiches made of ham or luncheon meat and eat them in secret under the stairs. He always had a naughty streak.

Jim was an Arsenal fan. David, his son, to this day is a staunch Arsenal fan. For a time Jim worked next to the Arsenal Stadium as a fishmonger and also in the Arsenal Tavern where he mingled with fans and players.

Jim was, as anyone who knew him would confirm, a law unto himself. Even his time of death has caused confusion as he died as the clocks changed to BST on 28 March 2010. That would have amused him as he had a great sense of humour.

His brother Michael says he will always remember that Jim died at the start of summertime.

Jim was a people person. He was fond of strays, be they human or animal. He was the first to bring home a lonely person or a dog. He would always take care of anyone who needed it. He helped every little old lady or man he met. He walked dogs, fed cats, fetched shopping, delivered newspapers, even when he was not in the best of health himself. That is why he knew so many people and will be greatly missed.

Jim would have hated a funeral, as he wanted to be put in a wheelie bin, but for once we got the better of him! He did not want flowers, so we got thistles, the national flower of Scotland. We think that we did him proud, and although he did not want a ceremony or any fuss, we would like to think that he would have a smile on a face if he could be here. His immediate family (wife, son and daughter) chose the music, readings and poems. This was what we hope he would have liked.

Jim/Jimmy/Jim the fish, however you knew him, will be missed by more than we realise. There are so many anecdotes about his life that there is not time to include them all. He was a fun person and great to be around.

There are a lot of people who could not make this occasion, but they have sent their wishes via his wife and children.

So Flower of Scotland, goodbye. We will not forget you. Bless you Jim.

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Written By Lesley (my sister) and based on many peoples’ memories of Dad, This captures his life and his sense of humour and is not intended to offend anyone

Tags: Dad, eulogy, Father, funeral