THE Pars’ oldest supporter who credited luck and a “wee bit of brandy” for reaching the remarkable age of 108 has died.

Athletic fanatic James Crombie, who said that a daily exercise routine and mince pies from Stephens’ helped him lead such a long life, passed away last Friday following a short illness.

His family, who said that only two people in the UK, who were born on the same day in March 1908 just four hours apart, were older than him, paid tribute to a “level-headed and very clever man” who provided “inspiration” and “happiness”.

Born in Pittencrieff Street on July 11 1909, James attended Pittencrieff School during the First World War and, playing as a goalkeeper, was a league winner with their football team in 1922.

He then attended Queen Anne School before joining the Co-operative grocery in Randolph Street, serving and delivering using a wheelbarrow, when he was just 14.

Aside from a spell in the Royal Marines during the Second World War, James worked for the firm until his retirement aged 65, during which time he had been promoted to manage 23 branches.

He married his wife Mary in 1934 and his daughter, Mabel, was born two years later.

As well as his family, which also includes grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, James’ big love was the Pars and, speaking to the Press two years ago when he celebrated his 106th birthday, he recalled memories of going to watch strikers Andy Wilson and Bobby Skinner in the 1920s.

He picked out Athletic’s 1961 Scottish Cup triumph over Celtic as his favourite memory, and recalled the cost of entry when he first started attending matches was just 3p.

James, whose memories were recorded by the recently opened Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries, was born in the same year that the old age pension law was introduced.

A pension fund re-organisation a year after he retired ensured it improved dramatically, and he jokingly told of receiving a visit on his 100th birthday from the CWS pension scheme in Manchester who “wanted to shake hands with a man who is drawing out more than he paid in!”

William Wightman, whose wife Coreen is one of James’ grandchildren, said: “He lived a colourful but straight life. We are grateful for the time we had with him; he was an inspiration in our lives.

“He was level-headed and a very clever man and who passed on so much happiness and knowledge.”

James attended the Jean Mackie Centre three days a week and met Pars’ 1968 cup-winning captain Roy Barry, who visited as part of a ‘memory box’ initiative involving Co-op Funeralcare, the Dunfermline Athletic Heritage Trust and the Pars Foundation.

Roy said: “I went to see him on a few occasions and it was a pleasure to meet him.

“We sat and had a good old blether about players he remembered and he was great company. For me, it was really educational; I can talk but I became a listener in his company!

“He was so articulate and just a nice man. It was a pleasure and he’s an inspiration to men my age.”

The club added: “Everyone at Dunfermline Athletic Football Club was saddened to hear about the passing of supporter, James Crombie, at the age of 108.

“Our thoughts are with his family.”

James is survived by daughter Mabel, grandchildren Coreen and Darryl, great-grandchildren Kerri, Conni and Vicki, and great-great grandchildren Abi and Harris.

His funeral will take place on Friday December 8 at 2pm at Dunfermline Crematorium.