Preece Family Tree

Leading Midland Builder Dies

Lichfield has lost a former Mayor and its largest employer of labour in Alderman J. R. Deacon. J.P., building contractor, who died at his home, Oakleigh, yesterday, aged 64.

He had erected more private dwellings in Lichfield than any other modern builder, and carried out many important contracts in the Midlands, including King Edward's High School, Bristol-road, Birmingham.

Mr. Deacon entered Lichfield City Countil in 1908, and for two years, 1916-17, was Sheriff. He was Mayor in 1920 and 1921.

OBITUARY

ALDERMAN J. R. DEACON

Alderman J. R. Deacon, a building contractor, died at Lichfield yesterday, aged sixty-four. A native of Leicestershire, he started business as a builder and contractor at Lichfield in 1901, and since that time has carried out many important contracts in that city and the Midlands including the new King Edward's High School, in Bristol Road, Birmingham, the original tender for which was £176,782. In 1905 he entered Lichfield City Council, and in 1916-17 he occupied the position of Sheriff, and was Mayor in 1920-21. In 1923 he came a magistrate of the city. He was elected an alderman in 1933, and he had been president of Lichfield Chamber of Commerce and a warden of St. Chad's Church. He leaves a widow and a daughter.