Jim Lippiatt
The Club was sad to learn of the recent passing of Jim Lippiatt a life member of the Club’s and husband of Pat our long-standing Ist XI scorer well-being officer. Jim was halfway through his one hundredth year when he passed away. It would be fair to say that he had a good innings!
Jim was a cornerstone of J.E.Halls Cricket Club with whom we merged in 1992 and Surge Singh-Birring and Neil Freeman have kindly come together to provide the following tribute to Jim.
Jim Lippiatt was a true stalwart of J.E. Halls Cricket Club. Alongside his brother Ken, Jim was an ever-present figure at the ground, whether competing on the pitch or tirelessly supporting the club’s operations.
A man of immense warmth, Jim always had an amusing story at the ready. He took particular pride in his role as an umpire for the young Halls side formed in the early 1980s, and he found great joy in watching that squad evolve from an aging line-up into the dynamic, league-winning champions of 1991.
Together, Jim and Pat were an incomparable “double act.” As umpire and scorer, they upheld the highest traditional standards of the game—standards that earned the deep respect of every player and opponent alike. Jim’s dedication was absolute; his presence at the stumps was a constant throughout the season.
Beyond his technical knowledge and legendary fairness, Jim was loved for the post-match conversations he shared with the players. Though he was a private man who never sought the spotlight, his impact was profound. While he fell just one year short of his personal century, to those who knew him, Jim was a “ton-up” human being. It was a privilege to know and learn from him both on and off the pitch.
Jim’s funeral is on Thursday 2nd April at 3pm. Venue is Thamesview Crematorium, Gravesend Road, Shorne followed afterwards by a drink of two at Dartford Cricket Club.
In the meantime please join with me in sharing our condolences to Pat, their two daughters Lynn and Thersa, and the rest of the Lippiatt family.