James Ross, the legendary news editor of the Manchester Evening News (MEN), has died at the age of 95. Known for his granite-hard but fair reputation, Ross was a towering figure in the newsroom despite his short stature.
A Career Spanning Decades
Ross served as news editor and later executive editor at the MEN, striding the smoke-filled Deansgate newsroom through the 70s, 80s, and 90s. His tenure coincided with a golden era when print was still king and the Guardian benefited from the MEN's profits. When profits declined, the title was sold to Trinity Mirror.
Born in Airdrie, Scotland, to George and Helen Ross, he was educated at Airdrie Academy. After National Service, where he became secretary to the Chief of the Imperial General Staff, Field Marshal Slim, he entered journalism with the Airdrie Advertiser. He later worked for the Daily Record, The Herald in Newcastle, and in Manchester for the Daily Mail, The Times, and finally the MEN.
Mentor and Role Model
Former MEN Editor Paul Horrocks paid tribute: "Jimmy Ross was a legend at the MEN and in the wider newspaper industry. His experienced news sense and uncompromising commitment to accurate journalism and balance shone through. He was instrumental in my joining the paper. Jimmy was my role model and mentor."
Steve Panter, ex-chief crime reporter for the MEN, recalled: "Jimmy was as sharp as a whip, lean as a whippet, not tall - but a giant of the MEN newsroom." Panter described how Ross appointed him in 1978 and how Ross's intense interviewing style left a lasting impression.
Personal Tributes and Legacy
Ross's children, Iain and Fiona, said in a statement: "The MEN meant everything to Jimmy. It was his world. Sunday afternoons were sacrosanct as he would read every inch of every Sunday paper... Jimmy was a loving, caring, father, grandfather, and great grandfather and enjoyed regaling many stories about his working life to his family."
James retired in his 60s to Limoges, France, returning to Rawtenstall, then Le Mans, and eventually Settle, Yorkshire, before settling in Bury after becoming widowed. He is survived by two siblings, George and Mary.
