Jim Leaviss

I knew Jim from his BOE days. I worked as a market-maker in gilts, and Jim hung out with our desk in the early 90s- drinks after work, as you did in those days. A colleague and I saw him last year for our first catch up in many decades. Jim's career had obviously eclipsed ours by multiple standard deviations, but he was as down to earth as ever, and we had a lovely evening remembering the old days. Such an interesting, smart, modest guy. Condolences to his family.

The Johnny Marr of bonds. Achingly cool, unfailingly kind and a multi-talented Renaissance man. M&G was the better for knowing he was in it. Years ago, when the annual, retail jamborees were on Park Lane, he was some sort of Mick Jagger - the centre of every IFA fan-crowd. More recently, long after he had been inducted into the Fixed Income Hall of Fame, he became our favourite bond market Uncle, podcasting his market musings, literature and music picks and brightening lockdown languor. Condolences to his family and friends.

It is with profound sadness that I read about the recent passing of Jim. Over the few brief years that I had the pleasure of working at M&G with Jim I have very distinct memories of several conversations. He was always polite, intellectually curious and keen to understand the point of view.

I also clearly recall seeing Jim present to a packed auditorium as Uncle Jim and it was evidently clear that he was blessed with an abundance of talents that stretched beyond the bond markets that included cycling, music, art, history and much more.

My very sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. He will be missed.

I was deeply saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. I first met Jim when I joined M&G in Fixed Income, 18 years ago, aged 18 straight out of school. One of my lasting memories is walking the third floor of Governors House selling raffle tickets for various charity events. If I missed Jim the first time around, he would often seek me out afterwards to make sure he could support the cause. It was a small gesture, but one that perfectly reflected his generosity and willingness to help others.

I was also fortunate to work with Jim when we filmed promotional content for the Social Mobility Foundation and M&G’s apprenticeship programme around 2012. It was my first experience being filmed on camera, and while I was understandably nervous, Jim’s natural ease, warmth and confidence made the experience feel far less daunting. What stood out even more was how genuinely committed he was to social mobility. For someone in such a senior position, his visible support for initiatives that opened doors for young people was incredibly meaningful and inspiring.

Jim was equally passionate about developing early careers talent. He regularly spent time with graduate cohorts, sharing his experiences and bringing the world of bonds and fixed income to life in a way that was insightful, engaging and refreshingly down to earth. Not many people could make those topics so accessible while leaving people genuinely excited to learn more.

Beyond his professional achievements and the legacy he leaves behind, I will always remember Jim for his kindness. I still smile when I think about him attending my 21st birthday drinks, which feels like a lifetime ago now. It was typical of Jim to take an interest in people, not just as colleagues but as individuals.

Jim was taken far too soon. He will be remembered not only for the enormous contribution he made to M&G, but also for the countless personal acts of kindness and encouragement that touched so many lives, including my own. He will be greatly missed.

I am so saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Jim Leaviss.

I met Jim in 2000, and he quickly became a ‘go-to’ person for marketing and sales support. I am sure there is still a vintage Guide to Bonds (2001) in my drawer somewhere … Authentic, kind, intelligent, and as genuine as they come—a truly rare commodity.

My most sincere condolences to Jim’s family.

Sx

I was listening to a podcast this morning which referenced the price of eggs, and was reminded of a session Jim did at an event a few years ago when he brought in a box of eggs and started juggling them on stage (they turned out to be rubber - but that was only revealed at the end!) - a small example of how good he was at making fixed income both engaging and accessible. His creativity, intelligence, humility and kindness made him both an inspiring leader and an excellent colleague, and his memory will live on at M&G for many years to come. My sincere condolences to Jim’s family and loved ones, my thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

I first met Jim in 99 when I was just off the grad scheme, Pru had just bought M&G and I had to move their Fixed Income team from Minster Court to Governors House. This seemed a pretty daunting task to me but Jim who worked in that team was nice and that helped a lot. In a world of star fund managers and big egos Jim stood out as someone who cared about others and didn’t take himself too seriously. He was a bond investor, who had this huge range of things he was passionate about and managed to bring all that into his work. This made work more fun for him and his team, and made him a better investor and communicator. This was inspirational to me at the time and still is. Jim was cool, and he was kind to others and he was a great investor. We were lucky to have known him and worked with him.

Jim was incredibly helpful when I was a fledgling journalist nearly two decades ago. It was an intimidating prospect to write about such a complicated field and I was hugely appreciative of Jim for taking the time. He continued to provide support and generously gave his time over the years. It was always a joy to meet up with him; we spoke about markets but also topics ranging from Shakespeare to football. And of course, The Smiths. Jim, you were taken too soon, but as Morrissey sang: There is a light that never goes out. Rest in peace.

Just wanted to say how devastated I am to hear about the untimely passing of Jim. Along with many others I have followed him over the years and appreciated his insights articles and blogs. I know he only left the team a couple of years' ago. Such a shame he did not have long to enjoy his retirement. He has been and will be much missed.

Please pass on my condolences to his family, longstanding colleagues and the wider team.

I was deeply shocked to hear the news that Jim had passed away. Jim’s knowledge on the bond markets was second to none. When you wanted to know what was going on in fixed interest or inflation then Jim was your first port of call.

A true gentleman, wise man and a bond market guru he will be truly missed.

I was lucky enough to work with Jim, directly reporting to him for a couple years. His passion for the business and was always evident. I am thankful for how he was always able to give me time and help when I needed it, despite having so much on his plate. He was a genuinely nice guy too, and so very sharp - I won’t forget the time he asked me to join him on a podcast and he banged the whole thing out in one shot. It’s terribly saddening to see him leave us far too soon. All my condolences to his family and loved ones.

Such very sad news!
Thank you so much, Jim, for your kindness, your leadership, thoughtfulness and your continuous support over the years at M&G.
I feel so honoured to have known you and to have worked alongside you. I will always remember our chats, always trying to do the right thing no matter what, your witty sense of humour…

My sincere condolences to your dear family and friends. They must be incredibly proud of their remarkable Jim.
You will be deeply missed, but your legacy will live on in all of us. RIP Jim

I worked for Jim in my first two years in Fixed Income. It seemed scary to approach him at first because he is such a legend of the bond world. But Jim was so supportive of junior members of the team. Always happy for you to join a meeting, trusting of you to represent his views and do things on his behalf. What a marketer, what a presenter, what a nice bloke. Great taste in music.
Jim will be deeply missed.
Sending sincere condolences for his family

It was with profound sadness that I learned of Jim's passing.

Jim was a true leader, one of those with the unique ability to make a lasting impact. And he did.

He built a strong and resilient team, vastly contributed to what M&G is today and shaped the industry's approach to fixed income investing. He did it with grace, respect, resilience and boundless creativity.

I am incredibly grateful to have crossed paths with Jim, his supportive and innovative approach and his love for David Bowie, during his time at M&G. A real "Starman" in our industry.

Sending my deepest condolences to all his family and friends.

RIP Jim, your generosity with your time and knowledge helped me develop my career immensely from someone who literally knew nothing about FI, but it will be your kindness and our passing conversations about football, cricket, any sport really and also music that I will remember you most for during my time at M&G.
He truly was Uncle Jim to so many of us.

Sincere condolences to his family, he will missed.

Having joined M&G in 1996 in Chelmsford I was fortunate enough to be asked to join a new telephone sales team by Steve Brear just as the UKs first High Yield Bond Fund was launched.
From then on life became a blur of all things fixed income. Like many others in the sales team working with Jim over the years was a dream, we loved him and clients loved him, a special person.
RIP Jim

Ahhh Jim, I can't quite believe that I'll be watching a bike race and my phone won't flash up a message from you. I can't quite believe that I won't drop you a message for a lost afternoon talking bikes, the Spring classics, 80s and 90s indie music, monetary policy and bond markets.

For the education you gave us when we would come in and see you, the joy you brought to so many of us as a friend and for your boundless enthusiasm for life in all its glory....thank you. You truly were the very best of men. Our lives are immeasurably richer and better for knowing you.

Goodbye, old friend. May you always ride with the wind on you back and sun on your face. Rest easy, we will never forget you.

I’m very sorry to hear this news. I met Jim in the late 90s in my first week at M&G, when I’d been tasked with writing a user-friendly guide to bonds by the formidable Theo Zemek. Sensing (correctly) that I was out of my depth, Theo pointed me in Jim’s direction. To my great relief, Jim was cheerful, patient and generous with his time, unraveling the mysteries of the bond markets with genuine enthusiasm and humour.
Years later I ran into Jim watching Pink Floyd in Hyde Park and he was exactly the same warm, decent person that he had been at work that day, a consistency of character that I see reflected in the many tributes on this page. My sincere condolences to Jim’s friends and family on your great loss.

I first met Jim in Jan 01 just after joining M&G and we instantly bonded over our love of the same bands and the assumption we shared the greatest taste in music compared with anyone else in the world ever...
So many marketing trips always tied in with a gig or a football match.
I Ioved hanging out with him, he was warm, generous, humble and so so funny.
He always spoke passionately about music, football and his family.
A real one off - I will really miss his company but have so many great memories with him.
RIP Jim - This Charming Man...

Rest in peace Jim. An industry legend who gave the industry so much. Condolences to Jim's family and former colleagues at M&G.

I'm truly grateful to have known Jim.
He was a warm, intelligent, and genuinely kind person.
I always looked forward with great curiosity to the opportunities to listen to him, because his thinking was invariably rich with original insights and unique interpretations of the markets.
Thank you, Jim

Rest in peace Jim. You leave a great legacy in all your work you did! Peace to the family

I was extremely saddened to hear about Jim’s passing.
Jim brought bond investing to life. His personality, creativity, and down to earth nature shone through. He was approachable and made time for others. Memorable conversations covered music, Forest, Steve Hodge’s Maradona shirt from Mexico ‘86, Monster Munch, the infamous Mario video, and Bond Vigilantes babygrows.
Deepest condolences to Jim’s wife, sons, family, and friends.

Uncle Jim was and always will be my favourite fund manager. Not only was he a bond vigilante he was also a bond evangelist. I can't think of many fund managers who would travel (business class) all the way to Cape Town to talk to a UK audience about their Gilt and Fixed Interest fund!! Or maybe he went, as Brownie said, because he was a salesman's dream.

So devastated to hear this news.  I worked with Jim for over a decade as his Marketing partner.  He was a Marketing dream... always full of new ideas and endlessly supportive of the Marketing effort. He was a world-class thinker, passionate, a fantastic communicator and a true people's person. With the team we launched a number of new funds, went in to new markets and created fantastic ground-breaking campaigns.   He was always brave and pioneering, pushed hard, great fun to work and just a really great all round human. It was one of the highlights of my working life and I thank Jim for that.  He was an absolute legend.   So, so sorry for Jim’s family…thinking of you all xxx

I only met Jim a few times over the past 30 years via mutual friend. A true gentleman, with a touch of brilliance and a breadth of interests that meant his was great company. HIs was a life well lived. Deepest condolences to his family and friends.

I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear about Jim’s passing.

I had the privilege of working with Jim when he’d visit Asia. He was always polite, so humble, and generous with his time. He made the world of bonds easy to understand. Two of my favourite memories with him was making part of a cardboard box car together during an offsite – he was meticulous in everything that he did. And the second was bumping into him at the Hong Kong Sevens at the original Hong Kong Stadium. He was just walking around the stadium, soaking in the sun and energy from a great day of sports. You can tell that he loved the vibes and was happy. He would have loved the South Stands.

He’s left this world far too soon. My deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones.

So sad to hear of Jim’s passing. It was a great privilege to have worked with him at M&G. Humble, smart and genuinely caring. My condolences to your family and friends . The world truly is a better place for having had you in it! RIP

It has been a week since Jim Leaviss, Bond Hero extraordinaire, left us. I still can't find the words to do his memory justice, and so I must humbly rely on the eloquence of others.

Isobel, in her darkest hours asked us to celebrate her "extraordinary, loving, compassionate, loyal, generous, thoughtful, clever, brave, sensitive, funny, cool, handsome and charming"husband. I would like to add a few more epithets to her list.
Jim was humble, forthright, inspirational and motivational. One of his lesser known traits was his benevolent encouragement of the younger members of his team. He offered them the chance to grow and excel early in their careers and provided the support that ensured that things happened. And he took inspiration from his juniors, too. He once told me of his delight at being accepted by his youthful cohort on the Masters' programme at the Courtauld and his thrill at being a student again on a class visit to Berlin. The young -whether at M and G, the Courtauld or at home with his beloved sons Stanley and Frank, kept him youthful, fun and trenchant.

Jim, with his laconic sense of humour (thank you, Robin Wigglesworth !). never lost the ability to surprise. When I learned he was about to undergo cancer treatment, I sent him an Afghan opium smoker's cap as a foil for the anticipated hair loss. The joke was on me...Jim wasn't about to wear anything that would hide his newly styled mullet.

I shall always remember Jim as he was on a hot August day in 2024. We had agreed to have lunch in Soho, and after coffee, he proposed that we take a walk round Cecil Court.. We soon found ourselves outside Colin Narbeth,, dealer in antique "bust bonds" and other curiosities. It was as if Jim were a terrier who had slipped its lead. Did they have Notgeld (no, me neither). Notgeld were, so I learned, emergency credit notes issued in Weimar Germany.

And then he pulled a "full Leaviss" on me. - why Weimar artists were called upon to decorate banknotes. Why some French Revolutionary Assignats have death threats inscribed upon them. Anni Albers, Ludwig Mies van Der Rohe and the failings of the Bauhaus. Jim's interest in Edinburgh, the possibility of a visit to honour the St Just Vigilantes at Ian Hamilton Finlay's Little Sparta; whether you could or not, step into the same river twice (panta rhei)..and more. After this bravura performance we were about to go our separate ways when Jim caught a glimpse of a painting in a second hand shop. He insisted that I buy it; we had to go in and check it out.

I'm afraid to say that I resisted the temptation- otherwise, like the heroine in Flaubert's Parrot, I might forever equate Jim with the enormous smiling visage of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin,

And so, Jim, in your own words, So long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Adieu...(I thought this came from Cabaret,, but in fact it's the Sound of Music. Should we be surprised ?)

But before I sign off, I hope I'm not the only one to note one final, tragic bond specialist irony. In the olden days, we on the M and G bond team had an instinctive dislike of embedded options. Jim, in a 2015 Vigilante blog, wrote the obituary of a favourite security, the iconic UK Treasury 3.5% of Forever. It is to me bitterly ironic that both Jim and War Loan were called far too early by their respective redeemers. Utterly and completely unwarranted....

So, along with Isobel, Stanley, Frank and the cats, let us celebrate Jim Leaviss. Take a walk, visit a restaurant, ride your bike, read a book, go to the Courtauld or any other museum, and above all , raise glass and listen to any one, or all, of his fave five bands.

Alex and I will be doing Cafe St Honore in Edinburgh; I am now blasting Bowie:

There's a Starman waiting in the sky
He'd ike to come and meet us
But he thinks he'd blow our minds
There's a Starmen waiting in the sky
He's told me not to blow it
'Cause he knows it's all worthwhile
He told me...

Let the children lose it
Let the children use it
Let the children boogie.

Amen. Let's celebrate the honour of knowing him.

Jim has left a extraordinary legacy at M&G and beyond, both professionally and personally. That is something to be truly proud of.

My sincere condolences to his family, friends and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.

I only read Jim's pieces on FT. He inspired many professionals in banking who toil the world of credit - a less known world - for almost a generation.
So long Jim.

Jim will be missed by all who knew him.

He was not your archetypal bond investor. He looked different, he spoke differently and he had a quirky same of humour. I was lucky enough to spend many hours with Jim at different events, both professionally and socially. My strong memories of him are his love of indie music (especially The Smiths), cycling and Nottingham Forest.

My sympathies to Jim’s family and friends.

Such very sad news. Great memories of talking politics, books and sport with Jim over a pint in the Cross Keys or Carpenter’s Arms and bumping into him by the river or at Stamford Brook tube. Always brilliant company. Hard to believe. He will be massively missed. Thinking of his family.

Jim was able to simplify and convey complex issues successfully not just because he was clever but because he was also authentic. People read what he had to say because they knew it was an opinion honestly held and without side. That was rare in our business. It made him stand out.

Jim was one of the most creative, original and articulate fund managers I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. His presentations never failed to engage - and his presentation ‘props’ were legendary. From handing our sherbet dip dabs to IFAs after referencing the double-dip in financial markets, to the ‘long egg’ I had to smuggle through airport security to take over to a conference he was speaking at, he was a master at coming up with something unexpected and humorous. He was one of a kind and will be sorely missed.

So sorry to hear this news. Jim was a top man. RIP.

I very much enjoyed discussing bond markets with him, but also music - who was the greatest protest songwriter? Gil Scott-Heron, obviously, Jim.

I can offer no better tribute than this, from Bond Vigilantes - Bristol, bonds and cycling:

"The hardest hill was followed by the funniest – a client meeting in Bristol gave me a chance to ride up Vale Street, the steepest residential road in the UK. On a hire bike and in suit and leather soled shoes which kept slipping off the pedals, it took me many attempts to get to the top."

https://bondvigilantes.com/blog/2017/11/one-year-one-hundred-climbs-thanks-everyone-cascaid-well-way-raising-2-million-cancer-research-uk

I only worked briefly with Jim & the team (2005-06) but I followed him from afar, like so many others.
Much rubbish is written about markets generally and bonds in particular, but Jim always rightly placed them at the periphery rather than the centre of Life.
The worlds of Art History, Nottingham Forest and Music Appreciation will be all the poorer for his passing.

Jim was unique. It seems desperately cruel that someone who always grasped life’s gifts and opportunities with both hands should be cut short so prematurely.
I worked closely with Jim for only a couple of years and - whether we agreed or disagreed - he was always refreshingly straight, pragmatic, prepared to listen and to debate issues.
Jim was wildly misguided about some things, for example which of The Cure’s albums is the best (Faith, obviously), but none of us is perfect.
My heartfelt condolences to his family and those close to him.

Lo han llamado tan joven, porque le espera una misión mayor
Mucho cariño para la familia
DEP

Jim was a role model and a mentor for me.

He was always genuine and kind to others.

With his generosity and humour, Jim taught us that even financial markets aren't just about money, they are about people.

We have all learnt from his example - and we are all better people thanks to him.

Thank you for everything uncle Jim.

As a comms person working in the investment sector, 'fun' is not often the first word which comes to mind. But in supporting Jim and the wider BV team that he built for over a decade, I don't think I could have had a better client to find my passion for the sector. In an era where compliance and risk considerations tend to take priority over creative campaigns, Jim had a knack for pushing the boundaries while still making the powers-at-be comfortable that he could be trusted. No campaign idea was too quirky for Jim, no ask too big, no journalist request too much.

I will carry those memories throughout my career, and will always remember the man who made fund management fun.

Rest in peace Jim. X

I am saddened to hear the news of Jim's passing. I worked with Jim at M&G. Such a kind caring and clever man. My condolences to his family. Taken far to soon. RIP Jim xxx

I was privileged to have been Investment Marketing Manager at M&G when a young fresh-faced Jim Leaviss joined the company in 1997. Jim's impact proved revelatory, as he completely demolished the (dull) bond manager stereotype. I had never (and have never since) met anyone so able to expound on fixed income issues with such insight, clarity and above all, sparkling wit. An absolute delight to work with, it is no exaggeration to say Jim's influence had a profound and momentous effect on my subsequent career.

My deepest condolences go out to his family and I trust these messages provide some solace...he was a truly remarkable man.

It is difficult to do justice to Jim with just words, ideally you would need imagery, video clips and music - probably with a Mancunian twist.
When Jim left the industry a couple of years ago, a few of us from the M&G sales team, past and present, went out for a spot of lunch - Jim insisted on paying because he said we “made work fun”. But really it was the other way around. Jim was the salesperson’s dream - he always delivered a creative presentation or an interesting take on bonds. I remember the hand-written notes he used to craft with prit-stick and cut outs from newspapers. Clients loved his quirky approach. And then there was the softer side of sales, where Jim’s non work personality was also a gift.
After being so supportive in the early part of my career, Jim became a friend. We enjoyed some travel: I should remember Dubai 2008 for the onset of the GFI but the highly competitive banana boat races in Dubai Marina somehow standout. There was Antwerp, St Petersburg, Tokyo and best of all Leicester 1 Forest 0 in a corporate box at the King Power. Jim was also the reason a few of us got to enjoy the final day of a thrilling 2005 Ashes series at the Oval and there have been many other cricket matches since, and more recently games of Padel.
I am sad that we’ll not get to do more of this but grateful for the fun times, which will always raise a smile. My heart goes out to Isobel and the boys. RIP Jim X

Such a friendly gentle giant of the industry. I will remember fondly being sat in your slipstream peddling to Paris, and by pure chance bumping into you sat directly behind you, this time at the O2 for a concert. A great inspiration to us all and gone too soon.

So sorry to hear this sad news. Jim was my client for many years at M&G and i have so many found memories working with him. My thoughts go out to his family during this difficult time. Karen

It is my honour and privilege to have known and worked with Jim. While this duration wasn't long, I have been greatly impressed and inspired by his fixed income wisdom. Thank you once again Jim!

I am deeply saddened by Jim's passing.

It was a privilege to have worked with him. Jim was a brilliant mind - humble, gracious, and always generous in sharing his knowledge. I will always admire his remarkable ability to distil complex macroeconomic and fixed income concepts into clear, engaging insights. His passing is a tremendous loss to the financial industry, but his legacy will live on through the many people he inspired.

My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. RIP, Jim.

Jim is dearly missed. I learned a huge amount from what he said, what he wrote, and on how to explain ideas. I had the joint pleasure of working with him on the desk for a few years, looking at numbers and occasionally the Tour de France. Thinking of his family.

Someone recently said that I smile when I talk about interest rates. That is all because of Jim. He had a brilliant mind and was an inspirational colleague, always willing to share his incredible knowledge with a good dose of humour. With deepest condolences to Jim’s family.

It’s incredibly sad to hear this news. Jim was a truly kind and genuine person who always had time for others.

My thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

an all too short life, lived well and generously.

"Sending you my heartfelt condolences. Working with Jim was a true honor; I will always remember him as an incredibly human, charismatic, and sensitive soul. I am sure, Jim will be dearly missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him."

Never worked with Jim, but as a fellow FI strategist, I was always deeply impressed with his work and thought process. Much admired from afar. A true perpetual.

Got me interested in bonds and enjoyed his Bond Vigilantes Blog. Sad to hear his passing. RIP and wish his family well.

Shocked and saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. Just a great guy - as straight up and genuine as you’ll ever meet. My very best wishes to his family and friends at what must be an incredibly challenging time. Rest easy Jim 🙏🏼

Jim and I started at the Bank of England at much the same time and shared some great earlier years together before our careers took different routes. He was a smart, generous, kind and deeply funny man who touched everyone he met and knew. May he keep cycling, far and long.

As I was a more mature learning student of finance (35) Jim was the one person who made me think more about bonds in the whole scheme of investing. He was a refreshing change as a fund manager and I immediately warmed to his easy confident style. Many of our numerous clients are much better off today because of his influence in my advice process. Very sad day, my condolences to his family but be very proud of what he achieved and the influence he had in his unexpected short life. A great loss to you, the family, but also the industry he excelled in. RIP. The real bond vigilante 🤗

My heart goes out to Jim's family and friends. It fills me with sadness that Jim has passed away so young, with so many memories still to be made, so many books to be read, so many concerts to be visited, so many good restaurants to be tried and so much intellectual creativity to be shared.

The sad news reached me during a hike, with plenty of time for my mind to wander down memory lane. I'd just like to acknowledge Jim's impact on my professional development - I'm very grateful that our paths crossed so early in my career. Jim's inspiring creativity, clear vision and leadership as well as his cultural edginess and intellectual curiosity that was second to none, were highly formative for me as a junior on the Bond Vigilantes team. A lot that I know about bonds, markets and the economy is based on what Jim taught us. He drove us to think out of the box, question what's been taken for granted, and he created something really special at the time by doing so.

I'm going to be always grateful for my time on his team, and for the countless times mentoring me throughout these years. I'm also very grateful for giving me the opportunity to run with the commercialisation of his Global Macro Bond Fund, getting away with running the Global Beast Fund for the team's entertainment, trusting my judgement of Berlin music clubs and having my back when I just had pushed the boundaries again or turned up to Lord's cricket ground in a Germany football shirt.

Thank you and rest in peace, Jim.

Jim was not only a great investor but also a very talented and patient articulator. The Bond vigilantes blog really changed the way bond markets were explained and understood - and the awards he received for both were truly deserved.

About 12 years ago he asked me to sign his application forms for the MCC as he was a fellow cricket lover. He sent me the most delightful and unnecessary thank you letter. It is so sad he didn’t survive to get his Red membership card, however I am sure he will be watching from above.

Sadly missed, and my genuine condolences to his family

Caspar