A CONVOY of 11 taxis lined the streets of Basingstoke to honour and say goodbye to a much-loved husband, son and grandad.

Taxi driver James Shoulder, known as Jim, died following a battle with cancer on Tuesday, February 6, at Basingstoke hospital with his loving family by his side.

The 79-year-old's funeral took place on Friday, March, 1 at Basingstoke Crematorium with his hearse being followed by the 11 taxis.

His granddaughter Toni-Sue Mays, 29, who lives in Bramley, said Jim was a larger than life character who was "always smiling" and he "was always the last on the dance floor".

Two of the taxis stopped traffic on Hatch Warren Roundabout so the convoy following the hearse didn't break the whole way to the crematorium. 

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Basingstoke Gazette: Taxi driver James Shoulder, known as Jim

Jim, who was married to 77-year-old Iris Shoulder for 61 years, moved to Basingstoke from London in 1968 to Popley before then moving to the Winklebury area.

He had been a taxi a driver for more than 40 years in Basingstoke, and previously worked as a milkman. 

The hackney carriage driver was well-loved by his huge family including his three daughters Tina Bennett, Sharon Wallace, Lynda Mays, along with nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

The family have set up a donation page for Cancer Research UK, with floods of messages being left by those who loved him.

Brian Bentley posted: "In loving memory of a remarkable man Jim (T4). Sending our condolences to all the family."

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Michelle West posted: "Thinking of you all at this time. I have some wonderful memories of him and his taxi. RIP Jim."

Basingstoke Gazette: The convoy of taxis

Ashley Facey also posted: "Thinking of you all at this sad time. I have so many memories of my grandad and dad talking to James at the taxi rank, seeing their happy faces and hearing their voices together, priceless memories."

Sharon Wallace said: "Dad, love and miss you xx you will live forever in my heart
My dad, my hero, my best friend xxx Love you lots Sharon xx."

David Burman posted to say it was an "honour to know Jim".

Basingstoke Gazette: Jim and Iris Shoulder Jim and Iris Shoulder (Image: Contributed)

Jim's brother, Gordon Shoulder, wrote: "In loving memory of my dear brother Jimmy RIP always in our hearts and memory. Gordon, Rose and family."

Kenneth Shoulder posted: "So sorry brother, thinking of you."

Maureen Ann Hayes said: "Jim you was a lovely cousin, always a smile on your face, a great dad to your girls and husband to Iris, RIP Jim."

To make a donation go to tmfunerals.co.uk click on donations and search for James Shoulder.