Dr. James L.Crighton (1924-2002)

The death of Dr.James L.Crighton in Leicester on 22nd December last, at the age of 78, has saddened many former Morgan pupils. Jimmy spent all his schooldays at Morgan, from 1929 to 1942. As School Captain in his last year, he came from that mould that required both academic and sporting excellence. Joint Dux with Alan Mitchell, Jimmy took medals in English, French and German. He also played for the Rugby 1st XV for 3 years.

Having won a senior bursary to St.Andrews University, Jimmy’s prospective career in the Arts Faculty was halted after a year – only those doing Medicine or Science were permitted to complete the course – and he was called up to the Royal Artillery. He served as a Captain, attached to the Parachute Light Regiment, in India.

After the War, he switched courses, returning to St.Andrews and Dundee to take a degree in Medicine alongside former classmates John Langlands, Lawrence Atkinson and Leonard Graham. Subsequently, after a brief time in general practice in Kelty,Fife, Jimmy went south in 1966 to work for Student Health at the University of Leicester, where he later became Director.

One of the first to offer support to the School after the Fire, Jimmy became a Life Member of the F.P.Association and kept in touch with developments. He surely would have returned to Dundee for the reopening had he been spared to do so.

Our sympathies go to his wife Beth, whom he met at St.Andrews University, and to his four children. He was such a nice man and will be greatly missed.

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