HUNDREDS of mourners gathered for the funeral of a devoted family man whose violent death stunned a North-East community.

At the end of last month, the body of 56-year-old Jimmy Scaife was found on an isolated path near his home in Sunnydale, near Shildon, County Durham.

The father-of-two had died from head injuries. Police launched a murder investigation.

His widow, Anne, son Christopher and daughter Stacey led the congregation in a service in St John’s Church, Shildon, yesterday afternoon, where the Reverend Rupert Kalus spoke about the community’s shock, grief and anger over his death.

Mr Scaife, he said, had been a man who lived for his family.

He said: “He had a gift for friendship. He always wanted to go the extra mile to make things special.

“He was a loving, warm, sociable person who was committed to his family.

“He was warm, popular and respected, he had charm and integrity. He was an outstanding man who was full of enthusiasm for life.

“He was always beaming.

Every story told about him ended with a laugh. He had a gift for friendship.”

Born in Brusselton, near Shildon, Mr Scaife suffered an early tragedy when his mother died when he was two, leaving his father to bring him up.

He was a keen fell walker and enjoyed spending time with his wife of more than 30 years at their caravan near Wolsingham. A qualified fitter, he worked for the chemical firm Glaxo for many years until he was made redundant and found other work in the Shildon area.

He was a talented darts player, loved watching John Wayne films and had a keen sense of humour.

His sister, Kathy, had not been able to make the trip to the North-East from her home in Australia for the funeral, but sent a poem about peace, which was read at the service.

■ Gordon Meale, 50, also from Sunnydale, appeared at Teesside Crown Court on January 8 charged with Mr Scaife’s murder.

He was remanded in custody until a further hearing on April 12.