TRIBUTES have been paid to a Renton priest, who served the church for almost 60 years, following his death last week.

Canon James Simcox was ordained to the priesthood on June 21, 1953 in All Hallows’ College, Dublin.

He served St Martin of Tours Parish in Renton from 1981 until his retirement in 2008, making him the longest serving priest in its history, according to the Archdiocese of Glasgow website.

He was made a Canon of the Cathedral Chapter by Cardinal Winning, in September 1999, and he is remembered by many for his love of people and his sense of humour.

A spokesperson for the St Martin of Tours Parish told The Reporter: “He served the parish well and took a special interest in keeping the property well maintained.”

Canon Simcox served in the parishes of St Charles’ North Kelvinside, Goodshepherd Dalbeth, St Michael’s Dumbarton and St Paul’s Whiteinch before heading to St Martin’s in April 1981.

Spending his final years in St Joseph’s nursing home, Canon Simcox passed away peacefully on St Andrews Day, November 30, 2016.

Father Lyons, of St Michael’s Dumbarton, remembers his charisma, saying: “He had a great memory and a great sense of humour. He could remember people from years ago and he knew everyone and their families.

“He was a real character, really funny and had great humour. I think what he cared about most were the people, he loved going out and meeting people and their families.

“He was always interested in people and was a very good priest. He loved the Dumbarton area and Renton as well.”

Clare McKernan, depute head of Our Lady and St Patrick’s High School, remembered Canon Simcox’s love for Dumbarton and its people, saying: “He had a really warm personality, and came back to do a lot of Masses with the school. I was only able to meet him a handful of times but he was always asking about Dumbarton and people in it, he was very welcoming.

“He was very popular in the school and had a great sense of humour.”

The funeral arrangements are as follows: reception and vigil at Chapel of St Joseph’s Home, Thursday, December 8 at 5pm.

There will then be a Requiem Mass at the same location on Friday, December 9 at noon.

Burial thereafter will be at Priests’ Plot in Dumbarton Cemetery.