A former mayor for Bracknell Forest who worked "selflessly for local people" has died aged 83.

James (Jim) Finnie, a Freeman of the Borough, former long-serving councillor and former Mayor of Bracknell passed away on Saturday, January 2.

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After 43 years of service, Jim stood down as a borough and parish councillor at the May 2019 elections.

He had dedicated his life to serving the local community and raised money for three worthy causes during his time as Mayor, including Local Multiple Sclerosis, British Heart Foundation and The Lewis Marsh Fund.

Bracknell Forest Council has paid tribute to Jim, who was awarded the honour of becoming Freeman of the Borough back in May 2000.

Cllr Paul Bettison OBE, Leader of Bracknell Forest Council, said: “Yesterday we received news of the sad passing of Jim Finnie, Freeman of the Borough, past Mayor, former Conservative borough council colleague and Crowthorne Parish councillor, who sadly died on Saturday.

“Jim was very well-known within the community having served over many decades in a huge variety of community positions, he was a true community stalwart who worked selflessly for local people right up to the end of his life.

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"He was an incredible character who will truly be missed. Our thoughts and condolences are with his friends and family at this sad time."

During Jim Finnie’s long service he was made Mayor of Bracknell Forest Borough Council in May 1997 and remained in post until 2000.

When asked in 2010 what was the most rewarding thing about being a councillor, he said: “Helping people in many ways and trying to overcome bureaucracy.

"Seeing the wonderful contributions the volunteers make to the community life of our borough.”

From 2004 until 2007 he was vice chairman of the Edgbarrow and Sandhurst Sports Centre Management Committee and then took over as chairman, from 2007 until 2011.

Between 2003 and 2014 he was also vice chairman of the Access Advisory Panel and for a further year until 2015 when it became the Bracknell Forest Access Group.

From 2003, Cllr Finnie was on the Appeals Committee as chairman. He was vice chairman of the Environment and Leisure Overview & Scrutiny Panel from 2007 for two years and went on to become chairman of the panel when it became Environment, Culture & Communities Overview & Scrutiny Panel (in 2008) from 2009 and 2015.

He was also chairman of the Environment Portfolio Review Group between 2014 and 2015.

Residents will be able to pay their respects and share memories of Jim via online on the book of remembrance.

Visit: bracknell-forest.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/councillors/online-book-remembrance-james-jim-finnie to pay your respects.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions the funeral service will take place online at 10.30am on Friday, 15 January.

Residents are welcome to attend the funeral online by emailing: committee@bracknell-forest.gov.uk.