The ranks of Rushden’s old-established tradesmen were further depleted on Monday, when Mr. James Bugby, of 117, High-street, died suddenly after a collapse.

Known throughout the town as “Jim”, the town’s leading fishmonger and poulterer, Mr. Bugby followed his usual routine in the shop on Monday. At 6.30 in the evening, feeling ill, he was withdrawing to his living room when he collapsed, and death occurred at 10p.m. He was 64 years of age, and although not in good health, he had attended the funeral of another old High-street tradesman, Mr. Harry M. Seckington, at the Rushden cemetery on Saturday.

Born at Raunds, Mr. Bugby came to Rushden as a young man and was employed by the late Mr. Joseph Knight, boot manufacturer, whose horses he groomed and exercised, becoming expert in the care of animals. In 1879 he opened his business as a fishmonger in Church-street, moving after two years to the High-street premises now occupied by Mrs. William Wright, and in 1904 to the present address.

For several years he kept horses—usually two or three—and entered them in shows. His smart trade turnout was seen in many a procession.

In the prime of his life he was a very good skater. Shooting also attracted him, and he played bowls at the Rushden Town club until his health declined. For the last few years his favourite sport was angling, and he was a member of the Rushden and District Angling Association.

Mr. Bugby was one of the oldest members of the Rushden Conservative Club but took no active part in politics. His second wife survives him, and his children are Mr. D. J. Bugby (well-known as joint producer of the Rushden Players), Mrs. S. H. Tilsley, of Baildon, Yorks, Mr. P. A. Bugby, of Bridgwater, and Mr. R. W. Bugby.

Many local tradesmen attended the funeral on Thursday afternoon. The service at St. Peter’s Church was conducted by the Vicar, the Rev. P. Barwell Spriggs, who also officiated at the graveside ceremony. Mr. W. P. Jolley was the organist.

The family mourners were as follows: Mrs. J. Bugby (widow), M.r and Mrs. D. Bugby (son and daughter-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Tilsley, Baildon (son-in-law and daughter), Mr. P. A. Bugby, Bridgewater, and Mr. R. W. Bugby (sons), Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gray (brother-in-law and sister), Mr. and Mrs. Arthgur Bugby (brother and sister-in-law), Mr. Fred Bugby (brother), Mr. Walter Bugby (brother-in-law), Mr. Walter White, Earls Barton (brother-in-law), and Mrs White, Mr. Frank Wright, Earls Barton (brother-in-law), Mr. Percy White, Earls Barton (nephew), Mr. H. A. And Mr. P. H. White, Earls Barton (nephews, Mr. Alf Gray (nephew) and Mrs. Gray, Mr. B. Wilber, Mr. and Mrs. H. S. Gates, and Miss M. Stapleton.

Other mourners at the church included Mr. R. A. Wheeler, Mr. Arthur Smith, Mrs. M. Edmunds, Mrs. G. Burt, Mrs. A.Thompson, Mrs. J. Keys, Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Beetenson, Mrs. A. Longland, Mrs. A. Jolley, Mr. Phillips, Mr. T. Hedley, Mr. H. O. Robinson, Mr. A. Robinson, Mrs. Brooke, Miss Law, Mrs. H. Seckington and Miss Seckington, Mr. J. W. Mitton, Mr. C. Potter, Miss C. Bennett, Mrs. K. O. Marriott, Mrs. A. W. White, Miss E. Austin, and Councillor J. Roe.

At the cemetery were Mr. A. S. Knight (representing the Rushden Players Dramatic Society), Mr. F. Darlow, Mr. J. Seamark, Mr. D. Seamark, Mr. W. Brawn, Mr. B. W. Bollard, Mrs. K. Baker, Mrs. C. Mole, Mrs. M. Willey, Mr. T. Wheeler, Mr. C. Putnam, Mrs. A. Essam, Mrs. F. Knight, Mr. W. Russell, Mrs. J. Bass, Mrs. E. King, Mrs. C. S. Mason (Wymington), Mr. A. Coleman, Mr. G. Mackness, Mr. George Bayes, Mrs. B. Wadsworth, Mrs. W. Bridgeford. Mrs. D. Dickens, Mr. and Mrs. Horace Wright, Mr. and Mrs. W. Brace.

Mr. Charles Wilmott (director) represented Grimsby Trawler Owners, Ltd.