TRIBUTES have been paid to a committed referee and passionate advocate of grassroots football across Somerset who died earlier this month.

Jim Jowett, 68, of Cannington, died on Friday, June 9 after suffering a stroke.

Having previously served in the Army for around 25 years, rising to the rank of Sergeant Major, Mr Jowett worked as regional area manager for Herbert Retail.

Despite all the travelling that came with his job, Mr Jowett found the time to throw himself into local football and officiated games in both the Perry Street & District League and the Keyline Taunton Sunday Football League as a referee.

And for the last 15 years he had served as chairman of both leagues, always fully committed to both.

Perry Street League president, Sue Drayton, said: “Everyone is dumbfounded.

“As president I am absolutely devastated; he will be sorely missed.

“He was such an important figure in grassroots football, and he always did his best.

“He was an excellent chairman, such a fair man and a good friend.

“Everyone had respect for him, and he had respect for them.”

Bob Brunt, who worked alongside Mr Jowett as Perry Street League secretary, added: “He had such a professional attitude.

“He lived near Bridgwater but made every effort to attend every final [around 12 per season], and so many referee course which he ran himself.

“He seldom missed a final or a meeting – the amount of travelling he did was remarkable.”

Mr Brunt said that Mr Jowett’s attitude rubbed off on the organisation too.

“He set an example, and it is now run in a professional manner,” he said.

“People respected the time he gave, and so everyone pitched in.”

Paul Landon, Taunton Sunday League secretary, also paid tribute.

He said: “Jim has been the life and sole of the league as our chairman for approximately 15 years.

“He put the black kit on to referee on Sunday mornings for the league, and he was also an referee assessor for the Somerset Football Association, helping develop new and young referees into our game.

“Jim will be massively missed in our league and in local football.

“He has also been a wonderful friend to me and my family, and like many other people we are deeply saddened and shocked by this news.”

Mr Jowett’s funeral will take place on Friday, June 30 from 3pm at Taunton Crematorium, followed by a wake from 4.30pm at the Wyvern Club.

The funeral is open to all, and his wife Fiona told the Taunton Sunday League that there is no strict dress code.