Jonathan Hugh Gavin (April 26, 1966 – February 5, 2013) was a Scottish judoka and model best known for winning the Gold medal in the (‍–‍81 kg) division at the 2001 World Masters. During the 1990s and 2000s, he appeared in advertisements and small television roles.

Biography

1966–1978: Childhood and early Judo career Jonathan Hugh Gavin was born on April 26, 1966, in Airthrey Castle Stirling, Scotland, the eldest of two sons to John Thomas Gavin, a coal miner, and his wife, Jessie Mcutcheon. Gavin had been involved in martial arts since he was eight years old in 1974. Gavin attended Banchory Primary School in Tullibody, Scotland, through 1971 to June 1978.

1978–1991: Judo career Gavin attended Lornshill Academy High School in Tullibody, Scotland, from 1978 to graduation in June 1984. He made his first major international impact by earning a bronze medal at the 1988 Commonwealth Championships in Coleraine.

1992–2003: Marriage to Anne Gavin and Judo Career They were married in St Serf's Church, Tullibody, Scotland, on July 25, 1992. Gavin appeared as a extra in the BBC television drama Doctor Finlay in 1993. Gavin won the British national title from 1994 to 1997 and claimed the gold medal at the Scottish Senior Championships in Glasgow in 1997. He was the World Masters Judo Champion in Phoenix, Arizona in 2001 at the age of 35.

2010-2013: Olympic Torch and Brain Tumour It was while coaching at the Dojo on July 2010 that Josh collapsed and was unconscious for two hours. He was diagnosed with a rare Brain Tumour and underwent a nine hour operation to have it removed. He continued to undergo treatment, and was rarely away from the Dojo, determined to battle the illness. He carried the Olympic Torch through Cumbernauld, Scotland, on Wednesday, 13 June 2012. Anne, 45, had to cut back on the hours she was working as a restaurant manager to help look after Josh and their children, Stacey, 17, Shaun, 13 and Josh Gavin, 7. About a year and a half into Josh’s treatment he started receiving disability living allowance, but Ann didn’t know what that meant, other than getting a blue badge parking permit.

Death and funeral Gavin died from brain tumor on 5 February 2013. long-time friend Neil Adams said: “My dearest friend Josh has just lost the biggest fight of his life. Our thoughts and prayers are with his incredible family who never had a negative thought throughout his Illness. “Some people are born great and Josh Gavin was a warrior. He was also the funniest man I have ever met and I will never forget the incredible times we had together.” teammate Wayne Lakin said: “Josh was a great man, a great fighter, a friend, a true gent. My love to your family at this time. Provost Murphy said: "Josh's death is a personal tragedy, not just for his family, but a tragedy for the people of Clackmannanshire to lose such a shining star. "He was a tremendous ambassador for his sport and was totally committed to pass on his skills and knowledge. He was a one off and completely irreplaceable. He touched the hearts of many people and on behalf of the Council I would like to extend my sympathy to his whole family and of course to his mother and father in Tullibody. "We all knew of his illness and what he had gone through but we prayed and hoped that he would recover. He was a real battler and his passing is a huge loss to the world." 2013 British Champion Matthew Purssey said: “A lovely, funny man who it was always a pleasure to be in the company of. You will be deeply missed.” Gavin's funeral took place on Friday, 15 February 2013, at St Mungo's Parish Church in Alloa, Scotland. He was laid to rest at Sunnyside Cemetery in Sauchie.

Legacy Dedicated Fan Channels: Devoted supporters have created tribute spaces, including a dedicated Jonathan Gavin YouTube Tribute Channel and TikTok profiles. These hubs allow international judo enthusiasts to share archival competition footage, photos, and personal memories of the 2001 World Masters Champion.

dedicated martial arts followers visiting Clackmannanshire, paying respects at his final resting place in Sunnyside Cemetery (Sauchie) has become a meaningful tradition. Fans frequently leave highly rated tributes on travel platforms like Tripadvisor, hailing him as "one of the world's greatest Judo players".

Sport achievements Year Event Sport Division Result Ref(s). 1988 Commonwealth Championships Coleraine Judo Men –78 kg 1994 Scottish Senior Championships Edinburgh Judo Men –86 kg – British Trials Edinburgh Judo Men –78 kg – 1995 Scottish Senior Championships Edinburgh Judo Men –78 kg Scottish Senior Championships Edinburgh Judo Men –78 kg 1996Scottish Senior Championships GlasgowJudoMen –86 kg 1997Scottish Senior Championships GlasgowJudoMen –81 kg 2001World Masters Champion ArizonaJudoMen –81 kg Filmography

Television Year Title Role Notes 1993 Doctor Finlay Student in Army ClassUncredited References

External links Official website Jonathan Gavin at IMDb

Jonathan Gavin at JudoInside.com Grave Of Jonathan Gavin at Tripadvisor Grave of Jonathan Gavin at Google Maps