Regrettably, I just found out that Jim passed. I suspected that he had.
I miss our conversations, and his intensity. Some of you may know the story which follows. I don't doubt that it's true.
Some years ago, the History Department at Durham University was hosting a professor who was visiting from the United States.
In his honour (perhaps that should read: 'honor') a formal dinner was held in the Senior Common Room.
Around the table there were perhaps a dozen people.
At one point, a waitress brought to the table a large tureen filled with boiled potatoes.
As luck would have it, Jim was served first.
He thought that all of the potatoes were for him....
Mark Houlsby
18/05/2025
