A family has paid tribute to a passionate football fan set to become a grandfather for the second time after he lost his life to coronavirus.

Popular Jim Bubb would often be seen at Herne Bay Football Club's Stanley Gardens ground painting dressing rooms, fixing advertising boards or supporting the players during a match.

The 68-year-old, who had been living in Oakland Court in King’s Road, was a much-loved figure in Herne Bay, having moved to the town about 40 years ago.

But two weeks after being admitted to the William Harvey Hospital with a high temperature, he died of the deadly disease on Saturday.

Daughter Nikki Purcell said: “He was Herne Bay through and through – he loved everything about the town.

“He was a gentleman and always wanted to treat people with respect and kindness.

“The football club was the love of his life. He went to nearly every match and would spend all summer helping out with the ground.”

In tributes online, Jim was described by Herne Bay FC as a "club legend and committee man" who was "always ready to help in any way he could".

He grew up in Hersden, near Canterbury, after moving to the village from Newcastle at the age of three.

Following a stint working in the merchant navy, he met his future wife, Mary.

But she died of cervical cancer at the age of 38, leaving Jim to bring up their two daughters at their home in Pier Avenue.

“My mum died when I was five and my sister, Jolanta, was nine,” Nikki added.

“He always put us first and he worked really, really hard to support us.”

Until he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s about eight years ago, Jim had been working as a groundworker and forklift driver.

He had one grandson and was set to become a granddad for the second time later this year.

“He loved my son, Ethan,” said Nikki, who is 20 weeks pregnant. “He was a really loving grandfather; my son adored him.

“You’d always see them down the seafront together sharing ice creams and playing.”

Following a serious fall at his home, Jim spent about eight weeks in Margate's QEQM Hospital before being sent for an assessment bed at Woodchurch nursing home in Ashford on March 18.

But just three days later he was admitted to the William Harvey with suspected coronavirus symptoms.

“We don’t know where he contracted it – whether it was at the QEQM or at the home,” Nikki, 34, continued.

“He didn’t get better and they put him on end-of-life care. His body was so weak with everything else that he just couldn’t fight it.

“It was such an emotional, horrible experience and we couldn’t be with him.

“When you can’t go and visit your family you sit there thinking you need to be stopping this, but there was nothing we could do.”

A date has not yet been set for Jim's funeral, but Nikki is expecting to hold a small graveside ceremony.

Once government restrictions on public gatherings are lifted, she says a larger celebration of his life will be organised.

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