Organic Jim

Today was the memorial service for “Organic Jim”. I met him several times over the years. He inhabited areas in, as far as I know, the south of Edinburgh. I met him several times in Morningside and Newington. He was always open to chat and talk about life, the world, the universe and healthy eating.

He was generally homeless. He often relied on the goodwill of strangers either to offer him a place to sleep or cook or more frequently to store his numerous items. He would often turn up at our church and leave his “belongings“ in the car park for us to look after as he travelled on. He used to enjoy dancing and chatting with people. Many would offer him items of food or drink but he would scrutinise them carefully to ensure that they were completely organic. Anything that did not meet his criteria was rejected – with thanks - and he regularly offered advice on what you should eat.

He died on the 1st of June, I think of a heart attack while doing what he enjoyed - dancing.

I did not attend the service but our son, who had also met him a few times, did go along with about 100 others to Mortonhall Crematorium to mark his passing.

One of Edinburgh’s characters has passed away. RIP.