James ‘Jimmy’ Fergusson

‘JIMMY’ FERGUSSON. 1937—2025 

James ‘Jimmy’ Fergusson born in Batley, in the 1930s. His father was a well-known Dewsbury Solicitor who unfortunately died when James was eleven. Eventually James was sent to the Malsis boarding school at Glusburn near Keighley, later moving on to Worksop College in Nottinghamshire. He was in the school choir at both schools and had a great love of church music. He was an accomplished piano player and organist. 

He left College in 1955 and went to work in Leeds for a Chartered Accountants firm Gordon, Harrison, Taylor and Co becoming fully qualified in1960 then becoming a Partner of that firm in 1968. In the 1960s he dabbled in politics and stood as a prospective Tory MP for the east Huddersfield seat twice; unsuccessful both times. 

He joined Freemasonry in 1968 becoming the Worshipful Master of Integrity Lodge at Morley and later progressing to become a Grand Officer…one of the highest achievements in that order. 

In 1980 he became the District President for the West Yorkshire Chartered Accountants Association as well as being a prominent member of the London Worshipful livery company of Chartered Accountants which is limited to just two hundred members. Again, in the 1980s he became a Director of the Leeds Chartered Accountancy firm Spicer and Pegler which later was consumed by the Deloitte’s Company. James was able to retire at the age of fifty. Then spending the remainder of his life in high positions on the Regional Health Authority. He was extremely well connected. 

He was also a past president of the Bradford branch of the Saint George’s Organisation which amongst many other things bought brand new St George’s flags for the Bradford Cathedral, whenever the need arose. He was a member of the Leeds 52 business club. Also, the Saltaire Fine Art and Decorative Club. 

In 1991 he joined Bradford Rotary Club, being an excellent raconteur and tale teller. Always available at short notice to stand up and deliver engaging talks on numerous varied subjects. One of his most memorable talks was one he gave about his grandfather, a Dewsbury Textile Manager, with business connections in Germany. When the First World War was declared he was trapped in Germany and was imprisoned, being well looked after by the Germans for the rest of the war. 

James was a stalwart member of the Rotary Club, rarely missing a meeting. He took the office of auditor, a job he did with great style and attention. Always approachable with his wealth of knowledge on many subjects. He had a great ‘voice’ being a well-respected ‘gentleman’. 

May he Rest in Peace. 

Chris Binns;