It is with deep sadness that the English Table Tennis Association announce the death of Jim Beckley at 75 years old.

Mr Beckley had been involved on the North West regional committee since the 1990s and has performed many roles including writing press releases, working on the World Championships in Manchester, organising the Northern Masters and being on the VETTS Committee for a number of years.

Recently he was the Vice Chairman for Press and Publicity until his recent illness. His links to the Manchester Evening News ensured table tennis always had a presence in the North West.

He will be sorely missed.

The funeral will take place at 12pm Tuesday 4th June 2013 at the Manchester Crematorium, Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 7GZ (Tel: 0161 881 5269).

Biography Details

Vice-Chairman (Public Relations): 1987-91, 1992-94 & 2003-12.
Public Relations Committee: Chairman: 1987-91, 1993/94 & 2003-2012. Member: 1991-93 & 1995-03.
Regional Co-ordinating Committee (North West) Publicity: 1987-89.
Regional Committee Publicity: 1988-90 through to 2013.
Marketing Committee: 1988-90 & 1992-94.
Cheshire County TTA Press Officer: 2001/02.
National Championships Committee Member: 2003-10.
Archives and Museums Committee Chairman: 2003-12.
Elected ETTA Vice-President in 2007/08.
Website and Ezine Chairman: 2011/12.
World Championships 1997 (Manchester): Press Liaison Officer
World Veteran Championships 1998 (Manchester): Press Liaison Officer
European Championships 1994 (Birmingham): Public Relations Director

Condolences

Jim was always calm; he spoke in a gentle well-mannered and courteous fashion.

Always he found time to give advice or to listen if he needed more information and above all there was a sincere sense of gratitude in his tone of voice.

A gentle gentleman, he is sorely missed.

– Ian Marshall

I was very sorry to learn of of the death of Jim Beckley.   He was a journalist of the old school of the printed word, sharp, enthusiastic and interested.

I always found Jim a thoroughly nice and decent gentleman, and not at all pretentious, despite his huge experience in the sports media and table tennis.   He was very easy to work with, such as at the London Olympics test (Pro-Tour Finals) event at the ExCeL in November 2011, where this report writer appreciated his support, encouragement, patience and good humour.

Apolitical, his loyalty was to the table tennis cause rather than to any faction within it.   Quite often at National Council meetings I gave him a hard time in his role as ETTA Vice Chairman for Press & Publicity, but he didn’t take it personally and answered politely, honestly and with good grace.

Although he was getting old, Jim remained dapper looking and eternally optimistic and young at heart.

I hope he knew how much he was appreciated.

– Ken Muhr

I was very saddened to read of the death of Jim Beckley.   I remember him particularly from my British League Committee days – he was always a pleasure to work with.

– Michael Loveder

I was fortunate and worked with Jim for 2 and a half years as part of the ETTA Management Committee. His knowledge in terms of publicity and promotion will be sorely missed. But most of all he was a real enthusiast for our sport and a real gentleman who will be missed greatly. RIP

– Charlie Childs

I know he will be greatly missed by his family, friends and the table tennis community. Thanks again Jim for all you gave to me.

– Robert Loxley

If you want to leave your memories please e-mail: [email protected]