Mourners packed into St Albans Cathedral for a public service to remember musical great Jim Rodford, who died last month.

A bassist for The Zombies and The Kinks, Jim died on Saturday, January 20 following a fall.

Members of the public were invited to the Monday service, which began with a speech by Jim’s cousin, Rev Canon Brian Rodford.

He said: “St Albans has been home for Jim for so many years. Only recently, Jim received his honorary doctorate from the University of Hertfordshire.”

Following a hymn, a tribute was read out by Jim’s daughter Paula from Jim’s wife of 56 years, Jean.

The tribute covered their first meeting at the Pioneer Club, where Jim asked Jean to jive.

Jean wrote: “We have been jiving ever since.

“He told me every day he loved me. What a lucky lady am I?

“God gave rock n’ roll to everyone. He certainly gave it to Jim and I.”

Of her late husband, she wrote: “You are the wind beneath my wings.”

There were also tributes from Jim’s grandchildren.

His youngest, Lauren, wrote: “He was always a good man and a great bass player. He told me jokes and we had snowball fights. We always had fun together.”

Poppie, 12, said: “I cannot believe I have lost the most amazing granddad anyone could ask for.

“I am proud to have been your granddaughter and you are still missed by everyone, and everyone around the world who was a fan.

“I am only sorry I could not give you one last hug goodbye.

“I will never forget about you, and no-one else will. I cannot wait to hug you again.”

Aside from his role as a well-loved family man, Jim was an accomplished musician, and leaves behind a legacy woven through the golden years of rock n’roll.

Jim’s cousin, Rod Argent, spoke about Jim’s array of musical achievements as a bassist and supporter of talent.

Rod said: “His presence was amazing in the way he affected so many people’s lives.

“He affected just about everyone he came in contact with. He would be the first to offer practical help and not think about his own situation.

“I was famous before Jim, but he never displayed an ounce of jealousy. He lived his life in an uncomplicated, selfless manner.”