Tribute to 'happy, caring' dad who died in crash

The family of a "happy, caring" dad-of-two who had an "infectious laugh" have paid tribute after he died in a crash. Jim Barnes was riding his Honda motorbike when he was involved in a crash with a Dacia Jogger on Hall Lane, Lathom, near Ormskirk on Friday, September 6.

Paying tribute to the 70-year-old who grew up in St Helens and lived in Thornton Cleveleys, his family said: "It is with great regret that we need to announce that our dad, Jim Barnes, sadly passed away on Friday 6th September in a motorbike accident. We couldn’t have asked for a better dad/grandad who was always there for us and will be greatly missed, probably more than he realised.

"Jim was brought up in St Helens and attended Cowley School. He was well known around the Blackpool area where he attended Poulton College and spent most of his adult life with his beloved wife Lynn who sadly passed away in 2009. He was a serving police officer for 30 years, predominantly on traffic in and around the Fylde coast.

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"He was a Cub Scout leader and a dedicated Freemason. He put considerable efforts into helping people and raising money for charity and was always on hand if needed. Jim will be remembered as a happy, caring man with an infectious laugh and great sense of humour who always had a funny story to share.

"His love of trains, motorbikes, cars and time with his family was well known and he loved just driving/riding all his life. He is survived by his two children, Chris and Jane and one granddaughter, all of whom he loved dearly.”

Insp Chris Walsh, of the Road Policing Unit, said after the crash: "This collision has very sadly resulted in a man losing his life and my thoughts are with his loved ones at this time. I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision or who has any CCTV, dashcam or mobile footage to get in touch."

An investigation into the collision is ongoing and officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses and CCTV/dashcam footage. If you can help, please contact 101 – quoting log 0337 of 6 September 2024 – or email SCIU@lancashire.police.uk.