Town mourns death of news man aged 71
By Laura Matless on Thursday, 31st May 2001.
A REPORTER described as the major newsman in Haverhill has died at the age of 71.
Jim Healey worked as chief reporter and then news editor in a career which spanned 43 years at the Haverhill Echo, until his retirement in 1993.
In his early years in Haverhill, Mr Healey wrote for all the papers in the area, including the News and the East Anglian Daily Times.
Mr Healey arrived in the town from Yorkshire in 1950, within a week of his wedding and his 21st birthday.
David Hart, deputy editor of the Haverhill Echo, who worked with him for 18 years, said: "Jim was never off duty. He was always picking up stories. In his 43 years here, he covered every major news and sports story.
"As a reporter for the Echo, he used to tell me that he never intended to stay here.
"Then, during his first or second year in Haverhill, there was talk of town expansion and he realised that there would need to be somebody here to report on it."
News reporter Jo Deeks worked with Mr Healey in the early part of her career.
She said: "As far as most people in the town were concerned, he was the Haverhill Echo. He will be much missed. "
Mr Healey was secretary of Haverhill Darts League and chairman of Haverhill Midweek Cricket League for several years.
He was also a keen bowls player and member of the bowls club, taking the Suffolk Champion of Champions title on one occasion.
Mr Healey's wife Barbara died in 1991. He is survived by their three daughters, Elaine, Sandra and Susan, and his companion Margaret Brown.
The funeral took place on Tuesday at St Mary's Church, Haverhill.
Jim Healey worked as chief reporter and then news editor in a career which spanned 43 years at the Haverhill Echo, until his retirement in 1993.
In his early years in Haverhill, Mr Healey wrote for all the papers in the area, including the News and the East Anglian Daily Times.
Mr Healey arrived in the town from Yorkshire in 1950, within a week of his wedding and his 21st birthday.
David Hart, deputy editor of the Haverhill Echo, who worked with him for 18 years, said: "Jim was never off duty. He was always picking up stories. In his 43 years here, he covered every major news and sports story.
"As a reporter for the Echo, he used to tell me that he never intended to stay here.
"Then, during his first or second year in Haverhill, there was talk of town expansion and he realised that there would need to be somebody here to report on it."
News reporter Jo Deeks worked with Mr Healey in the early part of her career.
She said: "As far as most people in the town were concerned, he was the Haverhill Echo. He will be much missed. "
Mr Healey was secretary of Haverhill Darts League and chairman of Haverhill Midweek Cricket League for several years.
He was also a keen bowls player and member of the bowls club, taking the Suffolk Champion of Champions title on one occasion.
Mr Healey's wife Barbara died in 1991. He is survived by their three daughters, Elaine, Sandra and Susan, and his companion Margaret Brown.
The funeral took place on Tuesday at St Mary's Church, Haverhill.
Comment on this story
[board listing] [login] [register]
You must be logged in to post messages. (login now)