James Nichols, a former chairman of English Apples and Pears Ltd (EAP), has died aged 76.
James held a number of senior positions in the UK apple industry over a period of more than 40 years. He joined the Apple and Pear Development Council in 1967 as chief executive and from 1972-1990 he was also chief executive of Checkers Growers Ltd. He was a member of the Selborne Committee, which examined the state of the industry in the early 1980s, and was also founder and chairman of the Processing Information Group.
In 1986, he became the UK’s representative on the Apple and Pears Sub-Group of Copa Cogeca and he was the industry’s ‘our man in Europe’. In 1994, he became executive director of Checkers MGA Ltd.
James was highly respected for his leadership and for his presentational skills. Well known in top-fruit circles throughout the world, he epitomised the perfect English gentleman due to his bearing and manner.
Adrian Barlow, chief executive of EAP, said: “He had a tremendous knowledge of the industry, technical matters and individuals of importance throughout the world. He was very influential and he possessed great charm.”
James was widely read, loved cricket and also had a great interest in choral music. He leaves behind his wife, Ann, and two daughters.
A memorial service will be on Saturday, August 29, at 11.30am, at St James the Great, Elmsted. Family flowers only, donations to Pilgrim’s Hospice, Ashford, Kent.
Our condolences to James's family, friends and colleagues.
No comments yet