Harvey was one of the 16 founding players of the World Darts Council – which later became the PDC – and reached the semi-finals of the 1995/96 World Championship in one of 13 consecutive campaigns at the Circus Tavern.
Nicknamed ‘Bravedart’, Harvey began playing darts in 1977 and competed in the British Darts Organisation from 1983-1993, making two appearances at Lakeside.
After being a part of the breakaway group which formed the WDC, Harvey was the first player to face Phil Taylor in a World Championship at the Circus Tavern, losing the match 3-1 on Boxing Day 1993.
His best run in the PDC World Championship came in 1996, when he reached the semi-finals with victories over Bob Anderson and Larry Butler along the way.
Harvey went on to reach the semi-finals of the World Matchplay that year and also featured in the World Grand Prix, UK Open and Las Vegas Desert Classic during his career.
His only PDC ranking title came at the 2000 Antwerp Open, where he defeated Roland Scholten in the final, while he was on the receiving end of a nine-darter from Phil Taylor at the 2008 UK Open in what proved to be his final televised match before retiring the following year.
The tenacious Scotsman battled throat cancer and in September 2009, he underwent surgery to remove a cancerous growth in his throat and had his voice box removed.
In 2011, Harvey made a playing return in the BDO system, making a handful of appearances in events in Scotland.
James Harvey, Jamie’s son, announced that he “passed away peacefully at home surrounded by all his loved ones” on Thursday.
Among those to pay tribute to Harvey were former World Champions Dennis Priestley and Keith Deller.
Priestley posted on X: ‘So sad to hear about the passing of Jamie “Bravedart” Harvey. Jamie was a great bloke and it was my pleasure to share an oche and many beers with him down the years. I will remember his renditions of My Way fondly! One of the founding fathers of the PDC, his legacy lives on.’
Deller posted: ‘Sad news to hear my PDC doubles partner Jamie Harvey passed away this morning. We had some great laughs along the way. Reaching the PDC World Pairs final was a memorable event for us. RIP Jamie mate.’
Bobby George added: ‘Just heard the very sad news about Jamie Harvey. Rest in peace my friend. Condolences go out to family and friends.’