JACK Godfrey’s passing is a particularly sad time for me.

The former sports editor of the Evening News, who died on Friday at the age of 95, was not only my first boss in sports journalism — but also a mentor and friend.

He always stuck by the good sporting principles of honesty, commitment and fair play — values that were also key elements of his long and distinguished journalistic career.

For a raw, teenage recruit like myself, Jack was the ideal boss.

He was meticulous on the facts of any story, no matter how big or small.

If it took three or four extra phone calls to make sure the report was right, then that’s what you had to do.

It may have seemed frustrating at the time, but his determination for attention to detail has stuck with me ever since.

He also held strong views about how journalists should perform but always put them across in a friendly and helpful manner.

Jack loved most sports with cricket, football and racing being his favourites.

He had spells covering both Worcester City and Worcestershire County Cricket Club but it was at New Road where he was always in his element.

He covered the County for numerous years, through the good times and bad, and always had the respect of players, officials and readers alike.

Jack was never averse to comment when he thought things were going wrong, but always said that constructive criticism was the way to go. No cheap shots for him.

The highlight of his career was, no doubt, the consecutive County Championship winning years of the 60s when Worcestershire swept all before them after many seasons searching for that elusive first title.

Jack delighted in describing the silky batting skills of Tom Graveney, Don Kenyon and Martin Horton, while the destructive pace bowling of Jack Flavell and Len Coldwell were meat and drink to a reporter who loved his cricket.

Although he excelled in his coverage of matches, Jack never lost his nose for news.

The ‘D’Oliveira Affair’ was a long-running story that he brought to readers of the Evening News as the battle against apartheid in South Africa took centre stage at New Road with England all-rounder Basil D’Oliveira.

Even after retirement, Jack never lost his love of Worcestershire cricket and served for many years behind the scenes at the club with his wife Betty.

Jack may not have reached his century, but his long innings was highlighted by excellent service to both journalism and sport.

More than that, he has left some lasting landmarks with all those people who have been privileged to know him.

JACK GODFREY OBITUARY: PAGE 8; COMMENT: PAGE 6