Valley boy's 'lucky' Coventry family set to celebrate his 100th birthday - The Coventry Observer

Valley boy's 'lucky' Coventry family set to celebrate his 100th birthday

Coventry Editorial 27th Apr, 2017 Updated: 3rd May, 2017   0

JAMES Bufton has celebrated his 100th birthday – and his son Richard describes himself as the ‘luckiest’ of 70-year-olds.

Richard explains: “He has been a great father and role model. I must be the luckiest man alive as at 70 I can still ask my father for advice if needed.”

James’ recipe for longevity is not smoking, no drinking and keeping active, in the spirit of, ‘Don’t put things off until tomorrow when they can be done today.’

He and his wife Kathleen still live at home, actively and independently, in Allesley, Coventry – close to Richard and daughter-in-law Sandra.




He received a letter from the Queen before family and friends from across the country and his country of birth, Wales, arrived for two days of celebration last weekend, including a meal at a hotel.

Born in the Rhonnda Valley, Wales on April 29, 1917, he went to work in the coal mines as a teenager before moving to Rugby when he would send money home to his mum.


When working on the coal face he had the misfortune of having part of the tunnel fall on to his legs, and his father would not allow him to return to working at the pit.

James came to Rugby to work as capstan/turret lathe operator at BTH, for a short time, and then worked for the English Electric Company.

He gained various promotions until his retirement, aged 65, when he moved to Allesley from London Road, Coventry. He went from being a capstan/turret lathe machinist, to a planner and to superintendent.

He joined the Rugby Golf Club in his 30s and remained a member until he stopped playing at 83, remaining a honorary member.

He also still enjoys watching rugby, football, tennis, snooker and other sports.

He loves his gardening, says Richard, and remains active, growing flowers and vegetables from seed and seeing them grow into mature plants.

During World War Two he joined the army and was posted to the Middle East and was quickly elevated to Sergeant.

He married Kathleen after the war and their one son and daughter-in-law have two grandsons, and he has two great-grandsons.

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