Keith mourn sad loss of James Pirie
League Cup 1988 - James Pirie, front row ,third from the right
Keith FC are mourning the very sad loss of former striker of the late 1980’s James Pirie, who passed away suddenly on Monday 10 October a month before his 60th birthday. James ran the family owned business Rockfish in his hometown of Whitehills.
Jamesy will be forever linked with Keith’s Highland League Cup winning side of 1988, the former Under 18 Scottish Schoolboy international scoring in the Final Replay when the Maroons defeated Caley at Borough Briggs Elgin. He also played in the Keith team that lost in the Aberdeenshire Cup Final Replay against Peterhead the same season.
The likeable player was a key figure with Deveronvale before Jimmy Wilson brought him to Kynoch Park in the summer of 1986. He made his debut in a 1-1 draw against Forres Mechanics on 8 October scoring his first goal in a 2-0 win against Ross County on 1 November. He certainly knew the way to goal, going on to score 47 goals in 103 appearances. He was twice Keith’s top scorer nabbing 24 goals in 1987-88, and 15 goals the following season. His last Keith goal came in a 5-0 victory at Brora on 25 November 1989, making his last appearance against Rothes on 23 December. George Adams had taken over the reins at Keith by this time and James moved back to Princess Royal Park in a player swap, Graham Lawrie moving the other way. Later in his career he also turned out for Forres Mechanics.
The wee striker, like many players, had what seemed to be part of his match routine, and I always recall him standing in the middle of the pitch stubbing his toe downwards into the ground before gathering a pass.
He was of course much more than being a top player, as a person he was liked by all who crossed his path. Personally, I spent many an hour in his company whilst he was a Maroon, and he had the most infectious smile. I clearly remember after one end of season function at Keith Jamesy and Ally Brebner ended up staying in our house in Fife-Keith. Yes, he was the most lovable character.
As a a mark of respect there was a minute’s silence prior to the midweek match against Inverurie Locos, with one of the Club’s Championship Flags flying at half-mast. His sudden passing has hit the Highland League family as well as at Keith FC where he will always be remembered as a Club Legend, but more so his own family and our thoughts are with them at this very sad time.
Jamesy, James, Jimmy P – you may be gone, but you most certainly will never be forgotten. R.I.P.
Charlie Simpson