‘One of last great characters’ has died

Dairy farmer Jim Jamouneau was based at St Catherine’s Farm in La Ramee, St Peter Port.

Mr Jamouneau was also a major supporter of horse racing in the island.

He was involved in a number of different societies and clubs, including the Royal Guernsey Agricultural and Horticultural Society, where he had held the position of show manager for many years.

Society secretary Liz Naftel said Mr Jamouneau was always calm on show day, but put a lot of energy into it.

‘Horses and cattle were his passion,’ she said.

‘He always felt strongly about traditional things and them carrying on.’

Mr Jamouneau had been involved with the Guernsey Race Club for decades. He stepped down from his second term as president five years ago, but still was very closely involved.

Current president Trevor Gallienne said Mr Jamouneau was still very fit and active and helped with all aspects, but particularly preparing the L’Ancresse course for race day.

‘It’s devastating for us,’ he said.

‘He was a driving force. He seemed to know so many people and he could always find someone to do a jobs for us, even at the last minute.’

The pair were also friends.

‘I would speak to him a few times a week and he was always saying “I need to go feed the pigs or feed the geese or plant the beans or feed the steers”,’ said Mr Gallienne.

‘He was amazing. He was one of the last great Guernsey characters.’

Mr Jamouneau was also president of the Guernsey Horse Driving Society and vice-chairman of the Vintage Agricultural Show.

Vintage Agricultural Show chairman Ron Le Cras had known Mr Jamouneau for 50 years.

‘He has always been one of the boys and a real character,’ he said.

‘In recent years I asked Jim to come on board to help organise the Vintage Agricultural Show as vice-chairman.

'I always felt that Jim was a man that would give good steady advice.

‘His knowledge of working on committees and his common sense was always going to be beneficial.

'Not only was he good at giving advice he was also a team player and a very good friend. He will be sadly missed by many, many people.’