Jim Palmer Dies

Keith Richards - 2 posts

2009-11-09 08:57:59

Hi Y'all

I had a sad conversation with my old mate Mick Edge last night. He told me that our friend Jim Palmer had a Thrombosis on 31st October and did not survive. He was only 69.

Jim's widow, Pat, is in hospital having her own fight against Ovarian Cancer. Their sons Paul and Ian must be devastated.

Jim founded Sapona chemicals and supplied own brand cleaning products to the trade.

He was a great character, he used to tell me hilarious stories about his time as a footballer with Fulham playing alongside the likes of Jimmy Hill and Johnny Haynes. He also made me laugh with tales about his upbringing, with his famous brother Carl - the drummer -, in the rougher part of Birmingham. He claimed that Greg Lake dedicated the Emerson Lake and Palmer smash hit "Tribute to the Common Man" to his father, Jock Palmer.

For all his wealth Jim never changed much - he kept his ill fitting dentures in his top pocket and only used them when masticating!

We had some great times together, I particularly remember a bender - sorry "wine-tasting" - that we went on, to Bordeaux, that included a barbeque with Tony Laithwaite. We went around Premier Grand Cru vineyards in St Emilion, Pomerol, and - our favourite - Margaux. Of course we had to visit Chateau Palmer! We did not spit out any of the wines that we tasted!

He will be missed.

Friends could call Mick Edge on 0121 355 3078

Keith Richards

01553 672133
jkr@jkrgroup.com