A tragic shock to those of us who valued James’ professionalism and personality. He was the epitomy of a Gentleman, gentle by nature, a leader by profession, a garroulous and delighjtful raconteuer whose company was full of great humour, no matter the story it always had a fun conclusion.  Being in his company with Julie in both France, in their charming and happy home, where his wines were ‘pure gold’, or visiting the UK his smile lit up the occasion; I retain the happiest of warm and pleasant memories of this so successful and charming Gentleman.