He was the “icon” of a Southampton community.

Completing eight marathons, raising thousands of pounds for charity and being honoured by the Queen, pensioner Jim Dowdall became “Mr Thornhill”.

And the neighbourhood stalwart was given a glorious moment in the spotlight last summer, as he paraded the Olympic Torch through the city’s streets.

But today residents from across Thornhill are mourning the loss of “a true gentleman”, after Mr Dowdall passed away aged 87 following a short illness.

Great-grandfather Mr Dowdall, who was originally from Ireland, came to Southampton in 1955 after serving in the Royal Navy on board destroyer HMS Undaunted.

He quickly became a popular member of the estate, getting involved in a host of community projects, before suffering a mini-stroke at the age of 71.

It was then that father-of-five Mr Dowdall vowed to run the London Marathon – a target he achieved two years later at the ripe old age of 73.

He went on to run the race on eight occasions, raising more than £15,000 for charity.

Jim’s remarkable efforts were recognised with the Thornhill citizen of the year award in 2007 and an MBE from the Queen in 2008.

Last night stunned community leaders said Mr Dowdall’s death has left “a big chunk missing” from Thornhill.

Chief executive of Thornhill-based charity Plus You Limited, Debbie King, knew Mr Dowdall for more than 40 years.

She said: “To have that passion to improve people’s lives at his age was amazing. He was inspirational to people of all generations.

“He will be tremendously missed. Seeing him walk up the street was part of life in Thornhill.

“He has left a great big chunk missing in the community.

“He’s like Thornhill’s icon in that sense. He was ‘Mr Thornhill’.

“Rest in peace gentleman Jim. We all love and miss you.”

Ward councillor Matt Stevens added: “Jim lived in Thornhill most of his life and was very much in touch with what the community needed and wanted.

“He believed in Thornhill, even in times when it seemed the community wasn’t at one back in the ’90s and early noughties, he stood up for Thornhill and was proud of Thornhill, which I always admired.

“He was generous, determined and caring. He was never afraid to stop and talk to anyone.

“It’s a sad, sad loss. He won’t be forgotten.”

Hundreds of people are expected to pack out St Christopher’s Church, on Pepys Avenue, Thornhill, to celebrate Mr Dowdall’s life.

The funeral service will be tomorrow from 3pm.