A well-known and popular greengrocer with a “ready smile” has died at the age of 96.

Jim Fox, of Sheepcot Lane, Garston, passed away peacefully on May 13.

Born in Watford in 1920, he was the eighth of nine children born to Jack and Charlotte Fox.

The family lived at Butchers Yard in Watford, an area of slum dwellings that were demolished in 1925 when the family were re-housed in Crossmead.

Jim joined the Army in 1937 and was dispatched to India as a Royal Fusilier. He saw action in Egypt, the Western Desert, The Sudan and Italy and was promoted to a war substantiated sergeant, returning home to a hero’s welcome and a very proud family in 1944.

Watford Observer:

He married Joan Evans in 1948 and they had five children together: Terry, Julie, Linda, Tommy and Sandra. The Fox family moved to Sheepcot Lane in 1951, and although Joan passed away in March 1997, Jim remained at the family home until his death.

Jim’s family had a long history of trading as greengrocers in Watford Market, and this is where Jim worked for almost 35 years.

A popular man with a ready smile and a joke to tell, he enjoyed life to the full. Well known for his generosity and sense of humour, Jim was a larger than life character who worked hard and played hard, enjoying many parties, holidays and good times throughout his life.

He retired aged 65 and with a gift of a greenhouse from his family he found a new and rewarding interest by creating the most spectacular displays of hanging baskets and flowering tubs. He loved to see passers-by stop to look at his garden and admire his handiwork. 

Jim was always proud of his military service and he attended the parade at the Cenotaph for many years, supported by his son-in-law Andy Harman who also accompanied him to the Royal Fusiliers veteran’s dinner at the Tower of London each September.

Enjoying very good health for 94 years, Jim required surgery in 2014 which left him disabled but did not diminish his love of life.

He proved his strength and determination and continued to work in his garden, to cook and to make trips to the shops. The pub was a favourite place where Jim was always happy to sit with a drink in his hand and enjoy the company of others.

He leaves behind countless memories and will be sadly missed by his five children and their partners, his 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren, and the many friends who will remember him as T.G.F. - The Great Fox.