Jim Vear – A Proper Copper
John Dyer
No one was ready to hear that Jim had driven to Heaven quicker than he was due; then again he was a legendary police advanced driving instructor. Stories and folklore of Jim abound but the void that he has left in our hearts will take a long time to fade.
Jim had a mug that said “grumpy old git”. He was proud of this mug but nothing was further from the truth. He was a man happy to help, guide and steer you in the right direction. His wisdom and approachable, helpful manner made him the instructor you were proud to say you‘d had. His face was on continual standby to break into a smile and when it did, it was a big beamer of a smile that lit you up and relaxed you. For me, Jim was a lot more than an instructor; he became a friend, mentor and inspiration.
Devoid of ego but bursting with experience and skill, he passed on his knowledge to countless police officers who now carry the legacy of policing that has the Vear golden thread passing through it.
Jim excelled in making First Class advanced drivers. He always told you at the beginning of his course that his job was to help you achieve the best standard of police driving that you could, and he did. He didn’t need the title of Senior Police Driving Instructor- he just was! His style of giving feedback was tailored to the individual. He nurtured you to excel. If things were going pear shaped due to lack of application, he waved his hand in front of you in a very un-royal way, giving you a chance to reflect on your mistake. His wrist action spoke louder than words.
During debriefs of drives he would gently and calmly coach you back on track. Jim was quick to praise and slow to criticise. When things started to come together and you pulled off a spectacular manoeuvre, he whispered encouragement by saying gently,” Pass me a tissue.” I thought he must be passing a tear of joy as he celebrated your achievement; as a result I strove to get more “tissues” out of Jim.
I loved Jim’s birthdays, no cheap doughnuts or naff cakes on special offer from the supermarket. He produced a feast of the best cakes, flapjacks and chocolate scrumptiousness made by his fantastic wife Jill. More than a police station could handle. I used to beg him to let me take some home and when he said “Get lost!” you always ended up getting some carefully packed up and slipped in your bag. I didn’t even work in the driving school but always found an excuse to be there for Jim’s birthday and Jill’s cakes.
Jim cared about people and their families. He always had time for you even when he was busy. He gave off a love for his wife that was inspirational.
I am grateful for his support, wise words and his kindness.
Thank you, Jim. You were a proper copper and a gentleman.
Will never forget you
John Dyer
No one was ready to hear that Jim had driven to Heaven quicker than he was due; then again he was a legendary police advanced driving instructor. Stories and folklore of Jim abound but the void that he has left in our hearts will take a long time to fade.
Jim had a mug that said “grumpy old git”. He was proud of this mug but nothing was further from the truth. He was a man happy to help, guide and steer you in the right direction. His wisdom and approachable, helpful manner made him the instructor you were proud to say you‘d had. His face was on continual standby to break into a smile and when it did, it was a big beamer of a smile that lit you up and relaxed you. For me, Jim was a lot more than an instructor; he became a friend, mentor and inspiration.
Devoid of ego but bursting with experience and skill, he passed on his knowledge to countless police officers who now carry the legacy of policing that has the Vear golden thread passing through it.
Jim excelled in making First Class advanced drivers. He always told you at the beginning of his course that his job was to help you achieve the best standard of police driving that you could, and he did. He didn’t need the title of Senior Police Driving Instructor- he just was! His style of giving feedback was tailored to the individual. He nurtured you to excel. If things were going pear shaped due to lack of application, he waved his hand in front of you in a very un-royal way, giving you a chance to reflect on your mistake. His wrist action spoke louder than words.
During debriefs of drives he would gently and calmly coach you back on track. Jim was quick to praise and slow to criticise. When things started to come together and you pulled off a spectacular manoeuvre, he whispered encouragement by saying gently,” Pass me a tissue.” I thought he must be passing a tear of joy as he celebrated your achievement; as a result I strove to get more “tissues” out of Jim.
I loved Jim’s birthdays, no cheap doughnuts or naff cakes on special offer from the supermarket. He produced a feast of the best cakes, flapjacks and chocolate scrumptiousness made by his fantastic wife Jill. More than a police station could handle. I used to beg him to let me take some home and when he said “Get lost!” you always ended up getting some carefully packed up and slipped in your bag. I didn’t even work in the driving school but always found an excuse to be there for Jim’s birthday and Jill’s cakes.
Jim cared about people and their families. He always had time for you even when he was busy. He gave off a love for his wife that was inspirational.
I am grateful for his support, wise words and his kindness.
Thank you, Jim. You were a proper copper and a gentleman.
Will never forget you
