Dear Members and Friends
It is with the greatest sadness that I have to inform Japan Society members that James (Jim) Roy passed away 22nd October. He was one of the founders of our society and was a key member of the group of academics and businessmen who came together in 1985, to propose and support the establishment of a society to celebrate friendship between Scotland and Japan. The result was the establishment of the Japan-Scotland Friendship Society in 1986 which was then renamed The Japan Society of Scotland in 1990.
Jim was the Society’s first treasurer and continued to support the society in so many ways for nearly 40 years. His last major contribution was his excellent essay on the History of the Society published in our annual newsletter December 2020. His outstanding contribution to the establishment and development of JSOS and Scottish-Japan relations was recognized by our highest award, that of Honorary Life Member.
On a personal and professional basis, as many of the JSOS Council members (past and present) and membership will attest, Jim was a sheer delight to be with and to work with and always concerned about the success of JSOS. He was always available for advice on JSOS developments and his love for Japan and delight with the continued work of JSOS always shone through. In all this he was always supported by his lovely wife Christine who shared his interest in JSOS and his love of Japan.
He will be sadly missed by all whose lives he touched and he will always be remembered. Our thoughts now are to his wife and family at this difficult time. We will discuss at a later date, how JSOS can most appropriately recognize and remember Jim.
An announcement has been published in “The Scotsman”: Suddenly, at the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, on Sunday, October 22, 2023, after a long illness, Jim, beloved husband of Christine, loving father of Graeme and Gordon, and adored Grandpa of Thomas, Alasdair, Fiona, Jonathan and Charlie. He will be hugely missed. Following a private cremation, a Celebration of Jim’s life will be held at Cramond Kirk, Edinburgh, on Thursday, November 9, at 11.30 am, to which all are welcome. Please wear bright colours. Family flowers only, but donations, if desired, to Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland.
Further details via this link: https://jamesroy.muchloved.com/
Ian
Professor Ian Gow OBE ORS
A pdf copy of this letter is available below: