Tributes have been paid to a 'force of nature' ex Nuneaton teacher and councillor who 'touched so many lives'. Don Jacques, who was 94, played an integral part in

Nuneaton's history - from its education to its governance and its proud remembrance of the fallen. Which is why his death on Saturday (November 2) has left so many across the town in

mourning. He was born and bred in Nuneaton and first sold poppies as a young Sea Cadet. He joined the Royal Warwickshire Regiment before being transferred to the Sherwood Foresters before

becoming a teacher at four local schools – Swinnerton, Stockingford Junior and Queen’s Road Junior. But he was also a politician and, as a Conservative councillor at the borough council, he

Peace Avenue of trees in Riversley Park. He was also a former book shop owner. Later in life, he was a proud Royal British Legion and Remembrance Sunday stalwart. In 2013, he was awarded the

British Empire Medal 'for services to the community and to charity in Nuneaton.' But the accolades did not end there because, in March 2022, he became the first appointed Alderman

of Nuneaton and Bedworth since the council formed in 1974. He was nominated by the current Tory group leader, councillor Kris Wilson, who led the tributes to the man who he said has left a

legacy that 'few men can even dream about'. “Alderman Don Jacques BEM was a giant of not only borough politics for decades, but also its community, Cllr Wilson. "Of course, he

will be remembered as a long-serving councillor and great Mayor of this borough. But he also taught thousands of students in his long career as a teacher, served as a trustee at King Edward

VI College and was devoted to ensuring that future generations continue to remember the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces through his work with the Poppy Appeal." He continued:

"Don was a character and a force of nature. His mind still as sharp as ever; he wouldn’t hesitate to tell me when I was Leader of the council what he thought needed doing. Having known

him for almost 20 years I wouldn’t expect anything less. Still out and about in town only a few months ago, his passion for his local community and fellow man was boundless. “We have lost a

truly remarkable man, but he leaves a legacy that few men can even dream about. He has touched so many lives in Nuneaton and Bedworth and he will continue to live in many memories for a

long, long time. RIP Don Jacques." Leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, Cllr Chris Watkins, also paid tribute to Mr Jacques, saying: "We are saddened to learn of the

death of Mr Jacques. He was dedicated to his causes and worked tirelessly for the communities he served. “I would like to pass on our deepest sympathies to Mr Jacques’ family and friends.”

Mr Jacques' wife, Auriol, who served as his Mayoress, sadly died in October 2021, aged 90. He is survived by son Keith and daughter Valerie. Details of Mr Jacques’ funeral have yet to

be confirmed. In the meantime, his presence is set to be sorely missed at the town's Remembrance Sunday parade and service in Riversley Park this Sunday- an event he was especially

proud to attend every year.