A former daily editor who went on to become a director of regional publisher Northcliffe Media has died at the age of 95.

James “Jim” Humble, left, was editor of the Grimsby Telegraph from 1960 to 1966 after spending three years as assistant editor.

His journalism career began after he left school and he held roles in Middlesborough, Hanley and Newcastle, before working in Grimsby, Hull and Cheltenham.

Jim, who went on to become a director of the whole Northcliffe group, died at his home in Gloucestershire on 3 June.

An obituary in the Grimsby Telegraph described him as “a quiet, kind and self-effacing man” who took the helm of the title from the late JH Giles.

Jim was born in Stockton-on-Tees and won a scholarship to the local grammar school before becoming a reporter.

He joined the Territorial Army and when the Second World War broke out, he went to France with the 50th Northumbrian Division, saw action at Dunkirk and was then commissioned into the Royal Corps of Signals.

Jim saw seven years’ service in Western Europe and with Indian Army and Gurkha units in Burma, leaving in the rank of Captain.

He then resumed his career in journalism, working at regional newspapers around the country and eventually becoming a director of Northcliffe Media.

In his retirement, Jim enjoyed wood carving.

He leaves wife Freda, daughter Susan, son Andrew and four grandchildren.