The club was sad to hear Jim Harkins, or as everyone knew him Big Jim, passed away on Sunday 3rd July aged 81. If we look at results for the club, we would not find Big Jim very often in the A teams or in the teams who won championships. Like many members he was the back bone of the club over many years, treasurer in 1967, Housing convener, repair man , transporter and the list goes on. Men like Jim keep the club going often in the background, fill in spaces in league matches, making up teams.
Jim was a great man for stories of the runners in 50/60’s and further on. Getting on the bus to Drymen with his fellow Shettleston runners to do their long run back to Glasgow – a shilling (5p) in their back pocket and a pack of spangles for energy – The shilling in case they had to get a bus back and the spangles for energy. He helped organise the Shettleston Marathon which took place during the 60’s around the East End of Glasgow. One of the first open marathon to take place in the UK. He also managed to run in it a few times.
Younger members will remember Jim from our trip to the Gothenburg Youth Games – organising the race night, providing the buffet as we tried to raise the funds to travel. He also made the trip to Gothenburg to support the young athletes ,a trip he really enjoyed.
The Harkins family continues to be involved with club with his daughter, Joanne, secretary of the LAAA and often seen running for the club in various events. His son Michael often officiates at events. In recent years Jim’s health has meant he has not been around as often as he would have liked.
The club would like to send their condolences to the whole Harkins Family.
Big Jim’s funeral will be on Tuesday 19th July, 9.30am at St Jude’s parish, 159 Pendeen Rd then 10.45am at Daldowie crematorium.