James Fowler

He joined the then Yorkshire Conservative Newspapers straight from school when he was 15 and worked his way up to become firstly an advertising representative for the Yorkshire Post and Yorkshire Evening Post, and then sales supervisor of the morning paper’s display advertising department for 10 years.

He moved to Dewsbury in 1978 when he was appointed commercial manager, later becoming general manager, a position he held until his retirement in December 1987 after 49 years with the newspaper group.

For a brief period he also operated a linotype machine as advertising staff were trained to work on them during a national printers’ strike, in 1959, to ensure the Yorkshire Post continue to be published.

Mr Fowler, who was known as Jim to his friends and colleagues, loved newspapers and read the Yorkshire Post and Yorkshire Evening Post every day even in retirement. He also kept in touch with his former colleagues in advertising as a member of the Solus Club, meeting once a month. He was born in Beeston, Leeds, the son of a Roundhay timber merchant and was educated at Cockburn High School.

During the Second World War he served with the RAF on radar in several European theatres of the conflict. In 1945 he returned to work for the Yorkshire Post.

He was a keen gardener, and sportsman having played football for Leeds United juniors in his youth. He also played cricket for Pool-in-Wharfedale and the Yorkshire Post until he was well into his 50s. He was also secretary of the company’s Sports Club based at Glen Road, Headingley, Leeds, where he organised many fundraising functions.

In retirement Mr Fowler, who lived at Dacre, near Harrogate, took up golf and was a member of Masham Golf Club. He also supported Leeds United and Leeds rugby league.

He is survived by his wife Jean, daughter Lesley and son-in-law Michael.