Club shock at sudden death of rugby coach (From News Shopper)

Club shock at sudden death of rugby coach

5:21pm Monday 9th July 2012 in Sport By Mike Cubitt

It is with much regret that Gravesend Rugby Football Club have to advise of the death of Jim Monks, their 2nd XV manager/coach.

Jim who was just 43, died suddenly at home on Friday morning. Our condolences and deepest sympathies are with his wife Lorie and family.

Jim who joined GRFC just over a year ago, after several successful years with Vigo RFC, was an inspirational manager and a good technical coach who with the help of his two colleagues, Jim Percy and Jim Gilham, transformed the 2nd XV into a side which could truly be representative as the 1st XV back up squad.

Jim who worked for many years as a full time fire fighter for the London Fire Brigade, attaining the rank of Assistant Deputy Commissioner, has been heavily involved, indeed responsible for since inception, co-ordinating the activities of the LFB with the other emergency services for the Olympic Games , a huge role which will be extremely hard to fill.

Players at Gravesend RFC will certainly miss him, his skill and ability to manage has been recognised and appreciated by all of his colleagues and players who came into contact with him, a sad and terrible loss to GRFC and the community alike.