James was a club stalwart for many years as a player, supporter and sponsor. As a player he was committed, robust, fearless and uncompromising; he thrived on the physical challenges that rugby presented and his approach to meeting those challenges was to be as fit and strong as possible. Anyone who had the privilege to play alongside, or indeed against James on a rugby pitch will know all too well his “machine-like” qualities and appreciate that they came from many hours of hard work and dedication to his fitness.

Indeed, his appetite for exercise, like most things in his life, was almost insatiable whether that be running, cycling, swimming, a combination of all three in triathlons and Iron Man competitions or working out in the gym; but it is for his involvement in rugby that most at the club will remember him for.

It was the great French flanker Jean-Pierre Rives who once said, “The whole point of rugby is that it is, first and foremost, a state of mind, a spirit.”. A statement that would have resonated with James; perhaps not surprisingly when one considers the similarities between the two men; a shock of blond hair, athletic physique, marauding style of back row play and the courage to quite literally run through a brick wall for the sake of his team mates.

On Saturday there will be a minute’s silence to pay our respects.

James’ funeral will take place on Friday 18th October at Ripon Cathedral at 1pm, followed by refreshments at the rugby club.