Chrissie and I were in the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia when news of James’s death reached us. We were, and still are, hugely shocked and saddened by the news. We had only very recently enjoyed a lovely Wiltshire pub lunch with James and Jules, learning of their cruise plans, catching up with news of their tribulations over their move back to England, and looking forward to having them back in the fold to enable James and I to, once again, enjoy our golf together whilst sorting the world out! We were quite well practised at that, although less well skilled with driver or putter in hand!

We first met James and Jules in 2008 when we lived in the Gers, in south west France. They had visited with a speculative view to finding some land on which to build La Girouette. First impressions speak volumes about a person and we were immediately taken by the warmth, kindness, and gentle  nature exuded by James. Add to that his sense of fun and humour and I knew that, together with Jules, we had found good and reliable friends. We saw a good deal of them as the house building took shape and got to know them rather well. Its completion in 2009 provided them with many years of happiness in retirement and enabled James to practice his tractor driving  and chain saw skills in the safety of his own acres.

James and I enjoyed mutually held views on how policing in the UK should be conducted; my experience stemmed from policing the British Army which, although quite different from the challenges of inner city policing in metropolitan London, was based on the same principles. This frequently led to ‘When I was…’ stories from our pasts, of which we never seemed to tire. Such reminiscences helped us to settle more gracefully into retirement, although I know that James, like all good cops, never really retired from the world of policing and security.

As all contributors have noted, James kept a well stocked cellar and had an exceptional nose for a good red. He coaxed me into joining a local oenaphilia society in the Gers to improve my pallet – something which usefully occupied some of our free time and which enhanced my appreciation of  fine wines. James’s generosity and attention to detail when serving wines at his table were legendary. Woe betide the sommelier who served Pinot Noir in short measure or above 13 degrees C!

We always enjoyed the time we spent with James and, of course, with Jules by his side. We held him in the highest regard and our hearts now go out to Jules at this incredibly difficult time, and to Andrew and Stephen and their families. We send our love and our offer of support, however and whenever it is needed.