World Champion body builder from Shrewsbury 'Mr Universe' dies aged 72

Jim was the founder of Future Physique Ltd, opening a series of gyms in the Shrewsbury area.

The Shropshire bodybuilder also won host of titles including "Mr Universe".

In his prime he won national and European bodybuilding titles before scoring prizewinning success on the world stage.

Close friend Kevin Horak said: "He was a champion among men and a warrior of iron. That really sums up Jim Boulton who did things you, I, and most other people would not be able to do.

"He was a former Mr World and Mr Universe in the senior category, with senior in bodybuilding defined as over 40."

A former rugby player, it took 12 years of hard work to put him on the path to bodybuilding success in the early 1990s.

His training regime would begin at 6am, taking to the roads of Shrewsbury with his two Staffordshire Bull Terriers in tow. His work as a PE lecturer at Wulfrun College in Wolverhampton brought its own physical demands, but he would still find time for a couple of hours of aerobics during the day, often sporting a 40lb waistcoat to add weight to his already strenuous efforts.

And, after work, he would be off to the gym he co-owned for 90 more minutes of working out.

He was already Welsh champion and European champion by the time he became Mr Universe after a three-day competition in Italy in 1992. It was the title to which he had aspired ever since he had begun competing.

Further successes followed, including being voted Mr Britain in the senior class of the National Amateur Bodybuilding Association's championships in Blackpool and, in 1996, being crowned world champion in the masters class of the World Physique Federation World Championships. 

Correct diet was an essential element.

Kevin, who for some years worked with Jim in running the Wulfrun Gym in Wolverhampton, said: "He was an expert in diet and nutrition and people used to travel from all over the country to seek his counsel. He was seen as one of the leading experts in nutrition in the country."

He added: "He was humble about his achievements, and was an incredibly respected and loved man who will be missed."

Partner Annie Strange said: "He opened his first gym in Claremont Street, Shrewsbury. The second gym was just off Underdale Road, and the third next door to where he was living, at Hunger Hill, just outside Shrewsbury."

The pair had met in 2015, and Annie says on their first date they recognised a strong connection with each other.

"Jim was a colourful, interesting man. I came to know him as a true gentleman, caring and kind with a wicked sense of humour. We laughed a lot.

"We liked to travel. Top of Jim's bucket list was Canada. He had never been there. In 2017 we drove from Calgary to Vancouver, through the Rockies. Jim loved that trip and together we made wonderful memories."

Jim and Annie visited Rome, Spain and, Jim's favourite place, south west France.

"The trip we made to Carcassonne was so special. Jim especially enjoyed the historic and beautiful surrounds and, of course, the food!"

Jim had a stroke and then was diagnosed with dementia. Initially he coped well, but Annie says he was never himself after going into hospital for a knee replacement operation. He spent the last part of his life in the Uplands nursing home in Shrewsbury.

"Jim was much loved by the staff from the Uplands. Through the dementia his personality shone through. He maintained his charm, remained energetic and mischievous keeping all of us on our toes and smiling."

He leaves Annie, children Kellie and Kate, and granddaughter Isla. The funeral is at Emstrey Crematorium, Shrewsbury, on December 11 at 11.30am.