A popular figure in the Ayrshire footballing community sadly died in a house fire this morning.
Jim Clark, 81, was a well-known face at Hurlford United, and anyone involved in Junior football over the years knew all about him.
The die-hard Blair Park fan rarely missed a game, and it would be a struggle to find anyone with better knowledge about the local game.
East Ayrshire Provost, Councillor Barry Douglas, was among those leading tributes and posted on Facebook: "Absolutely awful news that in the early hours of this morning Jim Clark has passed away following a fire at his home.
"Jim was well known in New Farm and across Kilmarnock but I knew him best through his involvement with Hurlford United.
"Jim was an incredibly intelligent man with a wealth of knowledge about many things however we always ended up discussing football and politics.
"I was proud to know Jim and my heart goes out to his family, especially Lorna, Jim, Shirley, Irene, Siobhan and Lillian.
A statement on the Hurlford website added: "Sadly we have to announce the passing of 'Ford stalwart, Jim Clark.
"The popular 81-year-old was well-known and respected throughout Ayrshire and Scottish Junior football; and was a 'weel-kent' face around Kilmarnock.
"Jimmy loved nothing more than a 'blether about fitba' to his many friends at many clubs and he will be sadly missed at Blair Park.
"Our thoughts are with his children, Lorna, Jim, Shirley, Irene, Siobhan and Lillian and the rest of his family, neighbours and friends.
"RIP Auld Jimmy."
Clubs all over the country have been paying tribute to Jim including the likes of Darvel, Clydebank and Irvine Meadow among many more.
And social media has been flooded with tributes for Jim.
One read: "Devastated. Was lucky to know Jim and benefit from all his wisdom. Fitba, the Camino and the best auld movies, he always invited me and the dog in for a wee drink of water when passing.
"Possibly a lesser known fact, this guy sang like an angel, I loved sitting near him in mass."
Another added: "So sorry to hear this, always spoke to me about my grandpa and how much a great player he was, such a great man. "RIP jimmy, Blair Park won’t be the same without you."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We received a report of a fire at property on Macphail Drive, Kilmarnock, around 2.40am on Tuesday, February 22.
“The fire was extinguished by the fire service but the body of a person was found within.
“Enquiries are ongoing and the fire is not being treated as suspicious. A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal in due course.”
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