Goodnight sweet (and sour) prince

As World Desk overnight editor, Jim Forrester was a kind of law unto himself. He had the air of whimsical scholar but was a cunning bruiser in defending his corner. I worked with him for many years as deputy, then as a co-equal overnight editor, known by the lesser title of Maharajah of Midnight. Jim’s forte was a long battle of one-upmanship with an often-bemused management. He would have made a wonderful lawyer, loyal to his associates on the overnight - where the post-midnight toil was frequently interrupted by deliveries of Chinese and Indian food. A man of appetite, he presided over the international file with an air of Buddha-like calm. For a legendary character, he was kind and generous and was a prominent charity worker. I am sorry he lost this final battle, having won so many. There was no one like him. ■