A CHARD town stalwart who spent 23 years working in the town’s post office as well as two decades as Naval Association president has died.

James Noble was also well known locally after winning a Daily Express competition in 1980, which saw him and his wife set off on a three-month voyage around the world.

‘Lucky Jim’ was born on July 24, 1932, in Berwick-on-Tweed.

At 14, he met local girl Edna Glass and, while at school, the pair started a relationship which lasted more than 70 years.

Although Jim started an apprenticeship as a motor mechanic, he joined the Navy before his 20th birthday.

In June 1953, while aboard the HMS Perseus, Jim was in the Coronation review of the fleet for the Queen, which saw more than 300 ships, cruisers and destroyers on display.

His first six years were spent in the Far East and South Africa, serving on seven ships during that time.

In 1956, Edna and Jim married just a few days before he set sail again and then, in 1958, they welcomed their only daughter, Barbara.

After nearly a decade of voyages, Jim finished his naval service and decided to take up work in lighthouses.

He served at spots around the coast such as Bardsey Island, Skokholm, Longstone, and Hartland Point.

However, Jim’s family found life at his final post isolating and, in 1965, the Nobles relocated to Chard.

He worked at Sunnyland’s Old People’s Home, and Hutchison, Blease and Edwards, until starting the role he became best known for in the town.

Jim spent 23 years at the post office, ending up as the office manager, and stayed in touch with many posties from his years of service.

Jim’s daughter, Barbara, said: “In 1980, dad entered a competition in the Daily Express to win a World Cruise on the QE2.

“Well ‘Lucky Jim’ managed to win it with a 50p entry, despite living at 13 Clarkes Row.

“It was a three-month voyage starting on January 7, 1981, from Southampton on HMS Canberra and picking up the QE2 in Miami.”

The trip also coincided with the pair’s silver wedding anniversary.

Barbara added: “The Royal Naval Association held a special place in his heart.

“He joined the Chard Branch around 1988/89.

“He loved the friendship of ‘his mates’ and he said he was privileged to be the President of the Chard branch from 1997 to 2017.

“He was given life membership as a mark of appreciation in April 2003. He was also proud of the fact that he was also an Area and a National delegate.

“He was also a very proud and loyal member of The British Legion in Chard.”

Although he visited 52 coastal countries during his time in the navy, it was landlocked Austria that became Jim’s favourite holiday destination.

“His birth sign is Leo - the lion. It summed dad up,” added Barbara.

“He loved his family and took great pride in what they did. He was kind hearted and generous, liked a bit of fun and a laugh.”

In January 2018, Jim was diagnosed with a tumour on his right lung.

His beloved wife, Edna, died in May of last year after a fall, but Jim battled on through chemotherapy.

Despite fighting off the cancer, it returned in March 2019 and Jim passed away on July 4. His funeral service will be held at Chard Methodist Church at noon on July 24, what would have been his 87th birthday.