For James (Jim) Ernest Iles, from Ormesby Village, volunteering wasn’t something he did, it was who he was.
Jim spent most of his life helping people through charities, care centres, community organisations and at The Volunteers’ Coffee Lounge within The James Cook University Hospital.
In recognition of his extraordinary service and his lifelong dedication to helping others, Jim was honoured with a Diamond Volunteer Award from the then Prince Charles in 2012.
In 1993, at the age of 64, Jim and his wife Kath began volunteering in the Volunteers’ Coffee Lounge, serving tea and coffee to patients and visitors in the main outpatient’s department.
Going above and beyond
What began as a simple act of service soon grew into something far more meaningful.
The Volunteers’ Coffee Lounge became Jim’s second home. Serving around 500 customers a day, it’s a busy place often filled with patients, and their loved ones, waiting appointments, results or treatment.
Jim understood this better than most and often offered reassurance and time, which made the difference between someone returning to the ward with hope instead of fear.
After Kath’s death, Jim continued to volunteer in the hospital cafe and dedicated two days a week but often picked up regular shifts.
Following Jim’s passing, Georgina Oakley, Volunteers’ Coffee Lounge manager, said: “Jim was a selfless individual who cared about lots of people: he tried to make a difference to all he met.
Jim loved to spend time chatting to patients when they came down from the ward for a coffee break, his cheery personality always ensured they went back for their treatment with a positive outlook.
“Without his input the coffee lounge would have been unable to organise tombolas and raffles which raised money for vital equipment for patient use in the hospital.”
Jim’s selflessness extended beyond the hospital
As a schoolboy he raised money for the British Redcross.
He would play the hurdy gurdy barrel organ and donate any monies made; he also collected any scrap metal and donated it to the war effort to make destroyer warships.
At the age of 14, in 1943, he left school and began to work at Ormesby Hall. Five years later, at the start of the NHS, he moved to St Luke’s a hospital for the mentally ill, working as a gardener.
This marked the start of a career and a calling devoted to supporting some to the most vulnerable.
Over the decades, Jim worked at centres for adults with learning disabilities. He also took part in a clinical trial for the NHS.
Around this time, he also volunteered as a steward for Middlesbrough Football club at Ayresome Park in 1974.
In 1992 Jim retired but was very much keen to carry on helping others.
He became a volunteer at Ormesby Hall and fundraised for Jeraulax Road Care Home.
This was on top of helping other local charities such as Beverly School for The Deaf, children on the autistic spectrum, and the local schools in the area.
Lasting legacy
Georgina added: “Jim was truly a selfless man; he always saw the good in people and loved life.
He had that rare gift of making everyone feel that they were important, no matter what walk of life they came from.
“Jim is missed and will always be an incredibly special member of the team.”
Jim’s daughter, Gillian Woodrow, said: “Dad had three priorities in life, his family, work and helping others.
“He loved the Volunteers’ Coffee Lounge because he felt he was helping his community and he also made many friends.
“His lasting legacy would encourage anyone to become a volunteer there, especially if you’re lonely or just want to help others.”