Finally came across a picture of James and I taken after a Remembrance Day service in Kensington in the early 1990s, me a youngish medal-free subaltern trying to measure up in my Service Dress next to my immaculately smart, toweringly tall senior police officer brother-in-law. And what an impressive, wittily charming, immensely generous and massively kind-hearted gentleman he was – a Queen fan too and a lover of great wine accompanied by equally good stories; and of course the French landscape and culture. I’m so very sorry for your loss Jules. xx…

We were so sorry to hear of the sudden passing of James, it was a great shock and our hearts go out to Jule, Stephen and Andrew and their families at this devestating loss. Having known James for well in excess of 30 years, we have wonderful memories and memorable times spent together, whether from the early days in Farnham or West Meon and the new build which showed great imagination and style (julie of course) to the move to France, firstly in Bergerac and then down to Casteinau D’angles where we had the fortune to spend numerous long weekends and enjoy parties and the compaany of their wonderful friends. James was a marvelous and generous host, a raconteur with a wonderful Bon Viveur approach to life We spent many ski holidays together which were never dull and he had his own indomnitable style in his Spyder suit which could always be spotted on the slopes. Many fond memories of long days and sometimes even longer lunches…… Our girls adored him and he gave up time to help them whenever asked with sage insight and advice. We will miss him and remember him for all he was and all…

I first met Jim when my family moved to Esher in May 1960 when my father took up the appointment as British Railways station master at Esher (for Sandown Park) station and I was catapulted, mid-term, from secondary school in Kent to join Jim and his fellow classmates at Waynflete School.  Jim and I, with our similar interests in railways, photograhy and travel, hit it off straght away and he in turn iintroduced me to his good friend Robert Wigley who shared our mutual interests and, like me, does so to this day. We three shared two memorable road trip holidays with Jim relishing the driving in his immaculate old Austin Cambridge saloon, one to North Wales and the other to the Scottish Highlands , it was on this latter trip that my first Jim story comes from. It’s the summer of 1967 and we were en route back from Oban and contemplating an overnight stop near Kendal before finally hitting the road for home. It was mid morning as we passed through the streets of Dumbarton heading along the north bank of the Clyde towards Glasgow. Jim is driving while I’m in the front passenger seat and Rob…

In complete shock at the passing of our former Commisioner, James Hart.  As a new staff officer to James, when he was Assistant Commissioner, I learnt so much from him about policing and stakeholder management.  He was a kind, compassionate and yet driven man. One of his stock phrases that still remains with me was “policing is best when we do it with people, not to them”. James had a presence in any room, his tall stature, charm and intelligence were attributes he used to good effect.  I was also the secretariat on James’s National Firearms Licensing Committee, witnessing closely how he manoeuvred between the Home Office, police Chiefs and the shooting community, with great skill, dedication and strategic direction.  I recall he left me stranded in a Home Office meeting once as he got up and suddenly left early, deliberately but with style and no rudeness, all part of a master plan he later told me but to make a very important point! Admirable, his integrity was second to none – officials were on the phone to apologise before we got back to police HQ. He liked a glass of red wine, Rioja, from recollection, but on travels with him across…

It is with heavy heart that we write this message with the life of James being cut short so suddenly. James was a man of honour and integrity who touched the heart of everyone he meant. Our lives are much richer for having known James and remember fondly the antics we got up to on and off the golf course. A man who’s dash between the years can truly be said was full to the brim XX…

We were so shocked and saddened to hear of James’ passing whilst on the cruise. He was a wonderful man, full of life and love for those around him. We have such fond memories of you both at our wedding and will always hold a special place for him as one of the few who attended during covid. Whilst he only knew Sybille for a relatively short period of time, he was no less welcoming and warm for it. I have such fond memories of France with you and of West Meon and count myself lucky to have been experienced them. All our love to Julie x…

What a brilliant photo of James. Smart but casual with that friendly smile and a glint in his eye. James knew how to hold a glass of champagne !!! James you were my friend, my mentor and my Commissioner. You will be surely missed. Sincere condolences to Jules and the family….

James et Julie sont arrivés dans notre petite commune de Castelnau d’Angles dans les années 2009/2010. Ils ont fait construire une superbe maison avec vue sur la campagne gersoise et la chaine des Pyrénées. Ils se sont très vite intégrés à la population malgré la barrière de la langue.Dès le départ le sourire sincère de James et son contact chaleureux ont facilité les relations amicales. Les habitants de la commune qui croisaient ce couple inséparable promenant leurs chiens ne pouvaient pas s’imaginer les hautes fonctions qu’avaient occupées James, tant il était simple et avenant. Leur belle maison  la Girouette était un lieu de rencontres internationales ; Français, Anglais, Belges, Canadiens etc… partageant le même goût du bon vin et de la bonne chère avaient plaisir à s’y retrouver pour des soirées très conviviales et chaleureuses. James était alors aux petits soins pour ses invités se souciant du bien-être de chacun. Quoiqu’il advienne, cette maison restera pour les habitants de Castelnau d’Angles : la maison de James et Julie. James n’oubliait pas notre histoire commune, il ne manquait pas les cérémonies du 8 mai et du 11 novembre auprès de la population locale devant le monument aux morts. Personnellement, je suis très…

Chère Julie, Nous partageons votre peine et nous vous présentons nos sincères condoléances. Amicalement A Castelnau, Michèle et Geneviève  …

C’est avec stupéfaction et tristesse que nous avons appris le décès de notre voisin James lors de vos vacances en Turquie.  Nos pensées vous accompagent pendant cette douloureuse période, la mort d’un être cher est toujours un moment tragique. Nous vous souhaitons ainsi quu’a votre famille beaucoup de courage et sommes de tout coeur avec vous dans cette épreuve. Bien amicalement, Gérard et RoseLine   PS:Nadia se joint à nous pour vous soutenir.    …

James et Julie sont venus habiter dans notre petit village du Sud-Ouest de la France. Ils ont bati une belle maison dans laquelle nous étions toujours chaleureusement accueillis.Quelle chance nous avons eue de partager ces années avec eux . James était un hôte avenant, toujours gentil, accueillant, bienveillant, toujours soucieux de nous être agréable et tellement “classe, tellement “chic” . Merci James pour les belles fêtes que vous nous avez offertes. Votre jolie maison vous ramène chaque jour à notre souvenir et nous sommes malheureux. Vous allez terriblement nous manquer.  Julie, nous manquons de mots pour vous dire notre peine et combien nous pensons à vous . Sincères condoléances à toute votre famille . Malou et Gérard …

We were deeply saddened to hear of James’ sudden passing. Our friendship with James and Julie was relatively recent, but no less meaningful and enjoyable all the same. Meeting in France, we got on immediately, sharing much in common – in particular good food, excellent wine, but most importantly convivial conversation. We had hoped to have more years of such friendship going forward. But our memories will remain. Our love to Julie and our condolences to James’s family. Joan & Roel xx…

Tessa and I were so shocked to hear that James had passed away.  Even though we only met him briefly for a few days when we came to housesit and look after the dogs in the Gers, James left a real impression on us.  He was a very kind, fun, eloquent and hospitable man.  Both he and Julie cooked some lovely food for us and welcomed us to their beautiful home.  Dinah remembers being plied with foie gras and duck and Tessa was very impressed with his excellent choice of wine, with which he generously plied us at each meal!  What we also remember, were his entertaining anecdotes from his working life and beyond.  An excellent raconteur but also insightful and curious about us, his guests.  We are sad that you, Julie, are left without your warm, friendly, loving companion and know that it will take a long time for the feelings of grief to pass and the hole in your life to heal.  We hope you feel all the support of those around you and that these memories of James are helpful in this difficult time.  We send you huge virtual hugs and hope to see you again…

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. 20 Years ago Mr Hart over-saw my Passing out, He met my family who were the proudest they have ever been to meet the Commisioner. My mother, brothers, family still have that photo on their walls. About 8 months later I was walking on Fleet Street on patrol when Mr Hart came up to me and walked with me towards the top of Fleet street where there was a Lightbulb shop. He was buying a lightbulb for a particular light they had at home, and this was the only place he could find it. We spoke whilst walking up fleet street towards this shop. I remember thinking at the time, what a throughly nice fellow, he was just walking and talking to a new PC, as though we were friends, a comfortable chat. Yes it was strange for me, but it was really nice, Audrey Prosper a new Police constable walking on the street with the commissioner. I told my family when I got home that evening, I phoned my mum, (Mum I was walking oin the street with the commissioner)I walked the commissioner to the lightbulb shop lol. I’ve never forgotten that…

We were shocked and deeply saddened to hear of James’ sudden and untimely passing. We met James shortly after he and Julie has finished a house build and we were about to start one over twenty years ago. He gave us much good, helpful, wise and practical advice. He was always kind and generous, a gentleman. We had a great deal in common and enjoyed his company with Julie on sailing and skiing holidays, always great fun to be with. He will be sadly missed by all his many friends. Our sincere condolences and love to Julie and the Hart family. …