A tireless fighter; Tributes to civic hero Jim.Byline: SAM BEATTIE A FORMER mayor who was awarded the highest honour by his borough was today remembered for making Stockton a better place. Veteran Labour politician James Henry James Henry is the name of:
He represented the people of Stockton for decades, fought social injustice Social Injustice is a concept relating to the perceived unfairness or injustice of a society in its divisions of rewards and burdens. The concept is distinct from those of justice in law, which may or may not be considered moral in practice. and was made a Freeman of the Borough in 1991. Today, friends and colleagues described the trade union stalwart as a good, old-fashioned socialist who campaigned tirelessly for what he believed in. Councillor Paul Kirton, mayor of Stockton, said: "On behalf of Stockton Council, I would like to pass on our condolences to Jim's family and friends. "Jim was a friend to all councillors and a much-loved and respected councillor who throughout his time at Stockton worked tirelessly and passionately both for the residents of his ward and the wider borough. "This commitment was recognised when he became an Honorary Freeman of the Borough in 1991." Politics was in Mr Cooke's family. His dad Jack was a staunch Labour man who was involved in the party for more than half a century. And when Jim Cooke became the mayor of Stockton in 1979, his younger brother Derek Brother Derek is a thoroughbred horse. A foal of 2003, he was thought to be a contender for the Triple Crown in 2006. He was an early favorite in the Kentucky Derby. However, after starting in post position #18, he fell short in the "Run for the Roses," finishing in a dead heat for was appointed deputy. Other brothers Jack, Peter and Keith backed him up on the council. Mr Cooke, who was married to Irene, entered local politics in 1957 as a councillor for West End Ward, Stockton. He went on to lead the council for a number of years. Councillor Bob Gibson
He also took the reins as leader when Mr Cooke stepped down in 1989. "I think James was from the old school of politics," he said. "We saw ourselves as part of the working-class struggle. "He was a good fighter for those sorts of causes and a great believer in Over helping those less fortunate than himself. "He was a good man. He worked very hard for the people of Stockton over many, many years." Councillor Alex Cunningham, Stockton Council's cabinet member for children and young people, said: "I worked with Jim for several decades. The contribution he made to the borough was absolutely amazing a·maze v. a·mazed, a·maz·ing, a·maz·es v.tr. 1. To affect with great wonder; astonish. See Synonyms at surprise. 2. Obsolete To bewilder; perplex. v.intr. . It was a time when cash for local authorities was exceptionally tight but during his leadership there were some great things for the borough. Jim knew what he wanted to achieve and he worked very hard with all those around him to make things happen." Mr Cooke, a dad-of-six and great grandfather Noun 1. great grandfather - a father of your grandparent great grandparent - a parent of your grandparent , died at Allison House, Teesdale. His funeral will take place at Stockton Parish Church at 10.30am on Tuesday. * Friends and family are invited to post tributes online at gazettelive.co.uk CAPTION(S): LABOUR STALWART: Former Stockton mayor Jim Cooke, pictured left with wife Irene celebrating an election victory in May 1987, and below, when he was Mayor of Stockton in May 1979 with his brother Derek who became Deputy Mayor. He is being congratulated by brothers, from left, Jack, Keith and Peter |
|
||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion