The Island’s “much-loved and brilliant” drumming Father Christmas has died.

James Alfred Enright passed away at his home in Barton Hill Drive, Minster on Wednesday, December 21.

Known as Jim, Jimmy or Styx, the 89-year-old was formerly a crane driver, who worked at Bowaters in Sittingbourne and also spent his time volunteering and playing in a band.

His daughter Sue Percival, 61, said: “It is with a broken heart that we have to announce the passing of our brilliant dad.

“He had a wonderful week before his death performing with Big Fish Arts and being Father Christmas at the Rose Street Cottage of Curiosities.

“My dad spent many years volunteering and had a love of all things Sheppey.

“There are so, so many groups and organisations he has been involved with over the last 60-odd years.”

Jim, who grew up in Whitstable, moved to the Island in 1963.

He spent 25 years as a cadet adult instructor and was also chairman of the Royal British Legion in Minster.

The dad-of-two was a drummer and, later, manager, for the band The Rebounds.

Sue continued: “Drumming was his thing. The band he was part of began in the 60s and it only came to an end last year.”

Jim’s son, James Barton Enright, 59, used to be in the Royal Navy and now lives in Scotland.

Like his father he too played the drums.

Sue continued: “He was a lovely dad. He was so proud of my brother and his role in the military.”

Jim joined Big Fish Arts, a group that organises events and festivals for the Isle of Sheppey, in 2002 after his wife, Irene, died.

Chris Reed, who helps run the group, said: “Everybody says Jim is the best Father Christmas ever and I agree.

“He would sit with the children and their families and listen to them, he was fabulous.

“I got to know him because we were hosting a community play on the Island and he came along and joined in.

“After that we formed the Big Fish Band and he was our main drummer, he was fantastic.”

Along with his children Jim leaves behind his daughter-in-law, Fiona, three grandchildren, Ashley, Beth, Darryl, and her partner Scott, two great-grandchildren, Alex and Mahari and Sue’s partner Rex Humberstone.

Jim’s funeral date and details are yet to be confirmed.