Jim Williams, a former editor of the Oldham Evening Chronicle, has died at the age of 75.
Williams spent 45 years at the Chronicle, joining as a sports reporter in 1985 before becoming Oldham Athletic reporter in 1968.
He was later promoted to news editor and deputy editor before taking over as editor in 2000. He retired in 2010.
Philip Hirst, former chairman of Chronicle publishers Hirst, Kidd and Rennie, said: “In Jim we had a fine writer and reporter, one of the best. No one who is a journalist can receive a higher accolade than that.”
In the wake of the Oldham riots in 2001, Williams set up the Pride In Oldham Awards, one of his proudest achievements.
Oldham MP Jim McMahon said: “Jim was a decent man, with Oldham in his blood. With his team he chartered the everyday history of our borough with politicians kept on their toes, not least of all with his editorial and letters page.
“He was a true public servant and he will be missed.”
Dave Whalley, who took over as editor in 2010, added: “He was a real professional and will be remembered fondly by all those who knew him – especially the many journalists who benefited from his wisdom and guidance.”
Picture: Oldham Evening Chronicle
