Jim, from Bellshill, Scotland. An educationalist by profession, his life was dedicated to the development of young people. His career took him from primary school teacher to headmaster of schools in Shotts and Airdrie, and eventually to lecturing at Hamilton Teacher Training College.
Initially, he was attracted to the YMCA to play football. Membership of various committees of Bellshill and Mossend YMCA eventually led to him becoming local association president. His invaluable contribution to the national YMCA in Scotland led to him being elected a vice-chairman and subsequently chairman of the National Council in 1972.
As national chairman for Scotland, he became involved at European and world levels He was elected president of the European Area of YMCAs in 1976, a post he held until 1981 when he became World president of the YMCA.
Despite his involvement at world level, Jim Love’s great strength was his grassroots experience and his down-to-earth approach. It was not unknown to find the president of the World YMCA drying dishes and emptying bins at the Bellshill and Mossend YMCA cafe on a Saturday morning.
Jim Love was awarded the OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honors List in 1983 in recognition of his work with the YMCA.