WELL known Kilbirnie businessman Jim Pierce was recently honoured by the community when he accepted the prestigious title: Citizen and Volunteer of the Year 2019.

Jim, now retired, but still having a ‘guiding-hand’ role, was joint managing director with son Derek, of J & D Pierce Ltd.

On ‘retirement’ Jim left a legacy of a highly respected industrial fabrication firm operating from a huge state-of-the-art facility with world-class machinery and employee expertise.

The pinnacle of Jim’s achievement was being short-listed in 2013 and in 2018 in the Structural Awards – the business Oscars.

Outside of work, Jim was one of the original sponsors and chair of the Garnock Valley Pipes and Drums.

Jim has donated the Christmas tree at Kilbirnie cross and Glengarnock each year for the last 15 years and also organises the festive lights in Glengarnock.

A proud sponsor of Kilbirnie Ladeside FC, he also sponsored Beith Carves event in 2018 and the Pride of Ayrshire awards.

Jim and his wife Anne have four adult children: Lynn, Derek, Petra and Julie. They also have nine grandchildren.

Jim and his family are active in St Columba’s church, Kilbirnie. Most recently he organised a fund-raising concert for his kirk, entertaining on the piano.

Councillor Donald L Reid, in making the presentation to Jim said: “The qualities which I see in Jim Pierce are many and varied. They include: a visionary work-a-holic; a focus on quality outcomes at all times; a quick learner; sensible risk-taker in business expansion; a quiet and kindly but very effective community benefactor; caring employer; musically talented, a proud family man and one who is tremendously community-spirited.”

Jim said: “I love Kilbirnie and the wider Garnock Valley which has, in my opinion, so much to offer, despite some difficult challenges. It has been good to me over the years and I like to give something back. I regard this award as very special indeed.”