Debbie Bennett – He will be remembered for the legend that he was… an inspiration to so many young people… many happy memories treasured by so many…. RIP James ❤ xxx Sincere condolences to James’ family…What a devastating loss… a really lovely man 😢 💕

Bal Randhawa-Nangat – So shocked to hear this sad news 😢. James was a lovely man! Rip James. Condolences to his family 😢

Marg Bytheway – So sad and shocked to hear this news. RIP James

Josie Houlston – What a terrible shame. James was one of the best. Such a terrible, terrible shame.

John Wood – What a shock! Very sad, lovely bloke, condolences to his family.

Tina Simmonds – RIP big man x always remembered with a grin x

Denise Wood – I can’t believe it! We started our NQT together and we had so many laughs because of him that year. He was amazing. He loved the kids and always wanted the best for them! RIP James, you were one of a kind ❤️

Tammie Hughes – Rest in peace Jimmy Mac

Steve James – So shocked and saddened to hear this news. Loved by the staff. Helped set up a successful rugby team with Tom Huggins fantastic memories of him on residentials and the kids thought he was fantastic… He was everything you want in a teacher, willing to get involved in every project, a real team player. My abiding memory of him was him dressed in full Homer Simpson outfit, his whole body painted yellow telling a kid off in the library for being late to his lesson. So funny. Always willing laugh at himself……. To sum it all up… He was simply the best..

Tom Huggins – This is awful news, James really was the sort of person that just lit up a room when he walked in. Hilariously funny and caring at the same time. RIP

Carole Greensill – I’m shocked and so sorry to see this. My thoughts and prayers are with James’ family x

Claire DeLaney – James was the only one who’d laugh at my terrible jokes. R.I.P. xxx

Cath Arnold – He came to villa park with my husband and I. He was an irish villan, as he put it. Such good memories of a sweet and lovely lovely man XXX. Rest in everlasting peace dear James. Condolences to his family XXX.

Rachael Lucy (former pupil) – Such sad news 💔 my heart goes out to his family! I will always remember reading ‘Goodnight Mr Tom’ in his English lessons – it became one of my favourites! Loved his lessons! 😢

Posted by C.Clarke