As a much-loved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Jaques taught at Bexley Grammar School in Welling for almost 40 years, where basketball was his love.
It remained an enduring passion throughout his life and was displayed in his desire to introduce successive generations to the sport at grassroots level, particularly through Mini Basketball England.
Jaques continued refereeing at a local level until he was almost 70 but remained involved with the sport for many years after that, including as part of the English Basketball Fellowship.
His daughter Karen Crook said: “As a family, we are very proud of his involvement in and dedication to a sport he loved so much.”
“Peter was such a special man who did so much to help others enjoy basketball.
“He was always supportive of everybody involved in the game, but particularly the Mini-Basketball Executive.
“He had a real affinity with children in basketball which developed from his work as a school teacher and his involvement with English Schools.
“I always enjoyed his company when we met at Mini-Basketball meetings and Fellowship events.”
Introduced to the game by Arthur Moffat at Bromley Grammar School in the 1950s, Jaques would immerse himself in the game, also becoming a qualified club coach at 16. Harry Errington would then oversee his development as a player as he’d go on to represent Kent at both junior and senior levels.
His playing career would also see him become one of the founding members of Bromley Basketball club, who were formed in 1956 and are still going strong to this day.
Even during his National Service in the 1950s (he joined the Royal Artillery and reached the rank of Bombardier) – he was never far from a basketball when not on the ranges firing 25-pounders and doing his bit for the nation.
It was during his early basketball career that Peter had shown an aptitude for refereeing and in 1966 he qualified as a National Grade Referee.
This would be followed by the step up to qualified FIBA Referee in 1971, and he was also appointed National Referees’ Tutor, embracing his ability to lead and develop others alongside his role as a teacher, working at Bexley Grammar School from 1961-1996.
In 1985 FIBA appointed him to run a referees’ clinic in Qatar, and he was later recognised by FIBA as the National Rules’ Interpreter and qualified as a FIBA National Instructor.
Jaques would also become a familiar face to NBL fans during the 1980s Channel 4 coverage, frequently officiating televised games across BE’s flagship competition.
An active FIBA official until he reached the age limit set in 1983, he then moved into the role of assessor, whilst still officiating at both NBL and local level.
Still officiating until 2004 when he finally hung up his whistle, Jaques’ contribution to officiating, both in England and across the globe, was huge.
As condolences continued to flood in from across the sport, including the English Basketball History Facebook page, the number of people the 87-year-old had mentored, tutored, educated and supported through their own basketball journey was highlighted in earnest.
Long-standing official Andrew Carey said: “He was such a positive guiding force for me in my climb up the refereeing ladder and was paramount in my successfully getting my Grade 1 (now classed as Level 4) qualification.”
Former BE Board member John Wells added: “Peter mentored me through my Grade 1 course and continued teaching me after I qualified, I am and always will be in his debt.
“A lovely man who always had the interest of teaching young referees at heart. RIP and thank you.”
Former BE Board member John Letiza said: “It’s so, so sad. He was such a charming guy and always happy to help officials to develop and improve. I will always remember fondly those evenings officiating at Crystal Palace.”
That sentiment was shared by fellow official Ian Lester: “RIP Peter, a true gentleman who I first met at Crystal Palace and he featured a lot in my early National League career, living just up the road from me.
“His match debriefs were legendary, thorough, but always constructive.
“A great educator, deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
Further messages of condolence can be found from the following link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/englishbasketballhistory/posts/1552574048806359/
The funeral will take place on Monday 29 July, with friends welcome to join the family at Tudor Barn, Well Hall Road, London, SE9 6SZ following the service.
There is also a donation page on the British Heart Foundation website for anyone that may wish to contribute in Peter's memory. It can be viewed using the button below.
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All photographs provided by the Jaques family.
