Tributes paid to former Troon RNLI lifeboat Honorary Secretary James Manson MBE
Everyone at Troon RNLI lifeboat station was saddened to learn of the recent death of former station Honorary Secretary James ‘Jimmy’ Manson.
Jimmy volunteered with the RNLI in Troon for many years, initially as a Deputy Launching Authority before serving as station Honorary Secretary (Hon Sec) from 1980 until 2000 liaising with the Coastguard when the lifeboat was requested to launch and manning the station until the lifeboats safe return.
Out with the RNLI, Jimmy was well known in Troon. He was an officer in the 1st Troon Boys Brigade and was a founder member of Troon Sailing Club. Jimmy was a keen yacht and dinghy sailor; he liked nothing better than helming his catamaran in all weather conditions.
During his time as Honorary Secretary, he oversaw many changes to the station, he saw several lifeboats serve the station including the Waveney Class Lifeboats 44-007 ‘Connell Elizabeth Cargill’, 44-011 ‘Augustine Courtauld’ and the Arun Class lifeboat 52-38 ‘City of Glasgow 111.’ He was also in post during the construction of the new boathouse that we have in Troon today.
In 2000, Jimmy was recognised for his work with the RNLI as he was awarded a MBE for services to maritime safety.
In latter years, following his retirement from operational duties, Jimmy became a regular visitor to the station, keeping up to date with the launches and station news.
Former Troon RNLI lifeboat Coxswain Ian Johnson, who worked alongside Jimmy for several years, said “As the Hon Sec on the station he and I had a very close working relationship and throughout this time he give me the benefit of his wise counsel, he was a very conscientious and hardworking Hon Sec, a position that at times could be difficult and unrewarding but earned the respect from all who knew him, especially during the time of changes at the station.”
“Jimmy was a welcome face at the station when we were returned from service calls no matter the time of day and always had the kettle on for a hot brew.”
“I was sorry to hear of his passing as I have happy memories of our working together and his name will quite rightly be remembered in the history of Troon RNLI lifeboat station.”
Troon lifeboat Coxswain Joe Millar said “Jimmy was a well respected member of the RNLI family and will be greatly missed by all who knew him at the lifeboat station.”
"Troon lifeboat crew, management committee and fundraisers offer their deepest condolences to Jimmy’s family at this sad time."
Jimmy, from all your colleagues and friends at Troon Lifeboat station we wish you fair winds and a following sea, you will be missed.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.
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