John Wheeldon was the sixth person recruited by company founder Joseph Cyril Bamford in August 1948.

He went on to become the company’s first ever demonstrator, before going on to set up JCB’s Training School and later becoming visits manager.

He retired in 1990 after 42 years’ service, later returning part-time as a tour guide.

Father-of-two John, formerly of Combridge, near Rocester and latterly of Uttoxeter, also started a family tradition of working for JCB.

His daughter Jane Staley is JCB Chairman Lord Bamford’s PA and this month herself marks 50 years’ service with the company. The great-grandfather passed away peacefully in the early hours of Wednesday at his home.

Lord Bamford was taught how to drive JCB machines by John. He said today: “I knew John from when I was a very young child because he was one of the first people my father employed.

“He was a true gentleman and a very loyal employee. My sympathies go out to Jane and all the family at what is a very sad time.”

Before becoming one of JCB’s first employees, John Wheeldon also had the distinction of being one of JCB’s first customers.

He worked on farms between Uttoxeter and Alton before he joined the company and when he decided to buy himself a screw-tipping trailer in 1946, he purchased one from Mr Bamford.

John Wheeldon helps to carry Joe Bamford aloft after a company-wide bonus was announced in 1964

In an interview in 1995 to mark JCB’s 50th anniversary, Wheeldon recalled: “I was one of Mr Bamford’s earliest customers and after I bought one of his screw tipping trailers, he would send other customers to see me to understand the capabilities his products.

When I joined JCB, Mr Bamford said I could work as a general hand but I would have to learn how to weld and he would teach me, which he did.”