Jim Walsh passes away

Renowned and highly respected pub operator and industry figure Jim Walsh has passed away following a long illness.

Walsh founded the Commer Group in 1989, originally as a temporary management company. In 1996 he founded the tenanted pub company Commer Inns, which he sold in 2001. He then established Tadcaster Pub Company with James Crawfurd-Porter, which is also part of the Commer Group.

Walsh also established other businesses within the group including Nucleus Data, which he sold to Brulines in 2007, Sarjam and Commer Investments. His son Edward recently took over as managing director of the Commer Group.

"The only thing small about Jim was his stature," said Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers chief executive Nick Bish. "He had a larger than life personality and super-abundant energy that transmitted itself to every venture he was involved in during his roller-coaster career.

"He didn't gladly suffer idiots or the idle but he was a generous and loyal friend to those who worked with him, for him or were connected in any other way.

"The industry will remember Jim with affection and admiration, but at the moment our very great sympathy goes to Sarah and his family."

The funeral arrangements have yet to be finalised.