A MAN 'well-liked and respected in farming circles' in and around Tebay has died aged 87 after battling dementia.

James (Jimmy) Dover Beck was cared for by his family and the staff at Heron Hill Care Home in Kendal. However, he lived much of his life at Townfoot Farm, in the small hamlet of Longdale and was well-known in farming circles in the Penrith and Kendal area.

Jimmy was born on June 18 1935, the first child of Albert and Catherine. He was followed exactly a year later by his brother David and a few years later by his sister Anne.

Growing up at Townfoot, the brothers were inseparable and often up to mischief. One notable event was running off with their baby sister in her pram to show her off at Longdale School, just around the corner from home. 

He frequently escaped from Longdale School to go back to the farm, eventually being sent further afield to Tebay. Despite this, Jimmy passed his 11+ and was called a 'whiz-kid' at mental arithmetic. 

He continued his education at Appleby Grammar School until he left aged 15 to work on the farm.

He loved his cows and was an accomplished stockman, acting as a master judge on occasions. He was also skilled at silage-making and brought trophies home numerous times.

Jimmy was involved in the Young Farmer's movement and was 'passionate' about farming. Tragically, his brother David was killed in a farm accident at age 23, which Jimmy 'never really came to terms with.' 

Jimmy met Mary during a big day out to Glasgow in September 1964, who had been brought up to dairy farming as well. They married in June 1968 and began their life together at Townfoot. 

Jimmy and Mary had four daughters, Elizabeth, Catherine, Jennifer and Margaret, a Nurse, a Teacher, a Farmer and a Finance Officer.

He is survived by his wife Mary, his four daughters, five grandchildren and his sister Anne. His funeral service was at All Saints’ Church, Orton, and he was laid to rest there.