In The News

Tributes are paid to Scottish darts legend Jocky Wilson

Tributes are paid to Scottish darts legend Jocky Wilson

TRIBUTES have been paid to the former world darts champion Jocky Wilson who has passed away at the aged of 62.

Born John Thomas Wilson he will be forever remembered as Jocky by his many fans. 

He is regarded as one of the men who helped raise the profile of the game of professional darts, helping make it more popular and ensuring that today’s top players have access to large money prizes.

The former miner, who lived in Kirkcaldy in Scotland, had turned professional in 1979.

During his career he won the world title twice, in 1982 and 1989, as well as being the British champion on four occasions and Scottish Masters champion three times.

Many of his greatest battles took place in smoke-filled halls where it seemed he and his opponents appeared to be sustained by copious quantities of beer. In Jockey’s case the lager was usually followed by vodka and coke chasers.

Jocky’s world championship victory over Eric Bristow in 1989 is regarded by many as one of his greatest games. Bristow, who was known as the Crafty Cockney, had battled back from being 5-nil down to put Jocky under pressure at 5-4, but the Scotsman held his nerve to win the final 6-4.

With his toothless grin (although he did invest in some dentures early in his career) Jocky won the hearts of fans from across the darts world.

He was even to feature on the BBC’s Top Of The Pops show when Dexy’s Midnight Runners, playing their cover of Jackie Wilson Said (I’m In Heaven When You Smile), put up a photo of Jocky instead of the American soul singer Jackie Wilson.

Jocky retired in 1996 and was to become a virtual recluse.

He passed away after suffering a lung disorder.

To see Jocky Wilson playing at the top of his game, click here.

 

View previous In the News items: Former aerospace chief Sanford McDonnell passes away, Respected Northern Ireland journalist passes away, Tributes are paid to motorcycle expert Mick Walker, Actress Faith Brook passes away, Chemist who warned of global warming passes away, Illustrator behind the famous Ponderosa map passes away, Ashes of singer Davy Jones to be brought back to UK, Songwriter Robert Sherman passes away, Star Wars artist Ralph McQuarrie passes away, Bishop says Frank Carson was the prime minister of fun, Tributes are paid to Richard Carpenter of Catweazle fame, The actress Marion Mathie passes away, Actor Peter Halliday passes away, Fans pay tribute to comedy legend Frank Carson, Last of the buccaneers John Fairfax passes away, Tributes are paid to opera singer Elizabeth Connell, Rock musician Michael Davis passes away, Friends celebrate the life of Whitney Houston, Former royal commentator James Whitaker passes away, Tributes are paid to the actor David Kelly, Canadian adventurer Don Starkell passes away, Tributes are paid to race horse trainer Josh Gifford, Last surviving service member of World War I passes away, Science fiction writer John Christopher passes away, Actor Ben Gazzara passes away, Legendary boxing trainer Angelo Dundee passes away, Tributes are paid to opera singer Camilla Williams, Character actor Ian Abercrombie passes away, Jazz composer Clare Fischer passes away, Actor James Farentino passes away, Tributes are paid to the actor Nicol Williamson, Plan for new crematorium is given the green light, Former goalkeeper Ernie Gregory passes away, Tributes are paid to soul singer Etta James, Music therapist Clive Robbins passes away, Soul singer Jimmy Castor passes away, Former US Ambassador Charles Price passes away, Prolific writer Penny Jordan passes away, Tributes are paid to the author Reginald Hill, Former child actor who became a top political analyst passes away, Tributes are paid to doctor who helped save thousands of lives, Funeral takes place of singer Bridie Gallagher, Illegal memorial plague is found at ancient site, Bob Holness of Blockbusters fame passes away, Tributes are paid to photographer Eve Arnold or Fencing master to the stars Bob Anderson passes away

 

If you have a relative or a friend who has passed away and feel they should be mentioned in our In the News section, then please email us.