Jimmy Wensiora R.I.P.

[Chalky]

Many on here may not know Jimmy, many will probably have not heard him DJ but in his day Jimmy had a set to rival anyone.  Hailing from Mansfield he amassed one of the best collections of any, most in mint condition, he was meticulous about the condition.  In the mid 80s he was a resident at Rock City and he also became part of the line up at Stafford when Gary Rushbrooke retired.  He went on to promote his own all-nighter alongside Rob Marriott at the Swan in Mansfield.  He was a resident at Tony's in Blackburn under  Guy Hennigan's Soultown banner, possibly one of the finest line ups of any all-nighter.  He had a great sense of humour, very witty.  He was very knowledgeable and extremely likeable and was highly respected by most who kn ew him.

He always appeared to be a reluctant Dj in my eyes and never really pushed himself like others.  In around 1987 he put his collection up for sale which caused a stampede by many collectors chasing the gems he had.  He largely turned his back one the scene to pursue other business interests including his fairground rides to be found on Thorsby Sunday Market. 

News of his death was passed on by Rob Wigley who said it was confirmed by someone who worked with or near Jimmy, details are very sketchy.

R.I.P. Jimmy

Rock City A -team, Jimmy on the left.

You can listen to one of Jimmy's sets at Blackburn in this mix

 

Edited April 6 by Chalky

[Chalky]

Two podcasts in this link I put together of Jimmy's plays from the Stafford era.

https://www.soulunderground.co.uk/TheStaffordStory/GeorgeAndJimmy/

[Peter99]

Sad news indeed Karl. Jimmy was well known in this household for his amazing sets at Rock City and further afield. Progressive, knowledgeable and above all, a DJ who kept us dancers happy. A true stalwart of the Northern Soul scene.

Sincere condolences to his family and close friends, he will be sadly missed.

Best wishes.

Peter

 

[Philt]

Really sad news.

The single biggest influence on my own rare soul listening and collecting habits over 40+ years. I won't be the only one either. 

[Tony Foster]

Very sad to hear the passing of a legendary DJ.  RIP

Our sincere condolences to all family and friends  

[Jumpinjoan]

Jim was always very kind to me and generous with his time and knowledge, a true giant of the scene. This is so sad. 

[Wiganer1]

Lovely guy from the Stafford days - rip Jim 

[Jim Elliott]

Sad news. A legendary figure from my youth.

RIP Jim.

 

 

[Soul Shrews]

Remember him DJing @ 100 club back in the 80s, Seemed to be enjoying himself behind the decks there.

"There's only one of these " as an introduction to his next spin.

Paul

[Neckender]

More tragic news about the passing of another top man from the Scene.  I think that I would be right in saying that you couldn't meet a nicer bloke.   I first heard some rumours about Jim in the Wigan record bar. He worked as a coal miner,  was from Mansfield and had this sensational Northern collection. Rob Marriot was singing this praises, but to us he was a bit of an enigma since he had never been seen outside Mansfield.  During the early 80s Northern renaissance, to our surprise and delight, Jim started to turn up to many venues and very soon we got to see and hear his playbox.  At this point he teamed up with Dave Raistrick, who was finding some great unknowns on his regular trips to the States.  Jim being a miner, was very well paid and had the cash to fund the acquisition of the best unknowns and the rarest Oldies. He also had great taste, so his new discoveries were worth listening to.  It wasn't long before the word got around that Jim was the dj to follow.  At the Stafford all-nighter, Jim was given a warm-up set in the upstairs room before we all moved to the main room later. Im my view and many others,  a complete oversight by the promoters.  Later Jim would make further impressions at the Swan hotel Mansfield, Rock City Nottingham, Tonys Empress ballroom Blackburn, 100 club and others that I can't now recollect. His contribution to the Upfront Northern scene is without a doubt formidable.  He also told me that he was collecting 70/80s group ballads, nearly 40 yrs before the now burgeoning low rider scene.  In 1987 Jim decided to sell his collection and within a few months he was no longer that amazing record collector and dj. Jim allowed myself and Rob Marriot to be the first buyers to purchase from his collection, an honour in itself!  I remember being shocked that he was selling his great collection and buying a fairground ride...why would you do that I wondered?  I still remember the last time I saw Jim, selling the remnants of the peerless collection. I had the usual convivial chat and then assumed Id see him again sometime, but once he left the Scene he never appeared again.  Typically, the enigma Jim, left the Scene in a similar way to how he appeared on it.

Jim Wensiora: a Northern Soul legend.

[Wiganer1]

Great tribute mark much respect 

[Geeselad]

Sad loss, a legendary DJ from when I first started.