FAMILY and friends have paid tribute following the death of much-loved Herefordshire man.

Clive Charles James, a well-known local funeral director and magistrate, died in July at the age of 79.

Born and bred near Glasbury, and son of Charles and Winifred James, Clive's birth took place in one of the cottages at Heol y Gaer where he was delivered by Nurse Davies, the district nurse.

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He later lived in in Pontithel, where he bought a small plot of land and designed and built a house.

He was one of five siblings, whose names were Glyn, Maureen, Alec and Tony, and went on to have three of his own - Sandra, Delyth and Ian - with his wife Margaret.

During his late teens he completed an apprenticeship at Fred Smith and Sons Ltd as a carpenter and joiner at 20 years old.

Ian, his son, later followed in his footsteps, also becoming a carpenter.

Clive later started his own funeral business, after being asked to build a coffin and organise a funeral for a former colleague.

Clive and Margaret were known for being a very busy couple and soon moved to a three bedroom house near Velindre school.

The three children attended school at Velindre, where Clive also became a governor.

Clive later started his own funeral business, after being asked to build a coffin and organise a funeral for a former colleague.

"Clive was a dignified and distinguished Justice of the Peace," said his best friend Professor Colin Lewis.

He was also one of the youngest people to sit on the bench, - serving on the Brecon and Merthyr borders.

"He was a local man and locals supported him," said Mr Lewis.

Described as a "petrol-head" in his eulogy, Clive was known for his love for cars.

He and Margaret loved to travel, visiting places such as Ireland and China twice.

Clive James was known for his many roles: husband, father, grandfather, Justice of the Peace, councillor, advisor, and friend.

Mr Lewis finished Clive's eulogy with: "Clive, thank you for all you have done for us and for our community."

Daughter Delyth said: "He was very kind, humble, modest man, he loved his job would go over and above to help people and when he was young in our local community, started up a youth club in local village, helped towards raising money with the local community hall.

"He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

"I've lost my best friend."

Hereford Times: Clive Charles James, dies age 79 Clive Charles James, dies age 79