Former rescue team leader laid to rest

PAYING their respects . . . Jim Duffy’s funeral cortege

VILLAGE communities nodded silent respect when Saddleworth’s “heroes of the snows” said a poignant farewell to one of their own.

Cradled by the hills on which he masterminded thousands of rescues, James Munro Duffy — Jim to his friends — was carried by convoy to his final resting place.

Black flags flew on the cortège of ambulances, jeeps and support vehicles as mourners paid their respects to the charismatic 57-year-old former leader of Oldham Mountain Rescue Team.

When the procession arrived at Oldham Crematorium, a vanguard of search and rescue dogs greeted the teams assembled to celebrate Jim’s colourful life.

Oldham Mountain Rescue Team leader Mick Nield said: “Jim was meticulous in his organisation and a true inspiration.”

Jim joined Derby Mountain Rescue Team as a venture scout at the age of 17. In 1980 he moved to the Oldham area and joined the team. In 1986, he became team leader later heading a squad who worked sifting the aftermath of the fateful Lockerbie bombing.

Most recently he had been equipment officer for the Peak District Mountain Rescue Organisation, expanding his longstanding interest in the design and functionality of outdoor gear.

A teacher in craft design technology, he moved to Longley School, Huddersfield, teaching children with special needs.

He was key base camp manager on the 2003 and 2008 expeditions in the Himalayas, using his organisational skills to help plan the expedition. Ironically Jim had booked flights for the 2015 trip and handed in his notice to take early retirement, to spend more time taking youngsters on outdoor expeditions and experiences.

After the service, scores of mourners returned to Oldham Mountain Rescue Team headquarters at the Cross Keys, Uppermill, to sing songs and celebrate his life.