I met James only once for potential joint business with the company I was working for in Italy. I was very much impressed by his knowledge, calm and ability to make people at their ease. I was shocked when I read this horrible news. My full support and sympathy to all his dears♥️

This message is a while coming, as I really didn't know what to say. James' untimely passing is a tragedy for all who were lucky enough to have know him. James was a great boss and an even better friend - it was a privilege to work with him. To Victoria, Joseph, Sammy, Isabelle and Charlotte I'm so very sorry for your loss. James was a family man through and through, and I hope you can take some solace in how clearly he loved you all. You could easily while away many hours discussing with James what the kids and Victoria were up to, and him so proud of each of you. Sending you all much love. Joan and family

He is gone - by David Harkins You can shed tears that he is gone Or you can smile because he has lived You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him Or you can be full of the love that you shared You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday You can remember him and only that he is gone Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Shocked and very sorry to hear this. I worked with James at ICON and was impressed by how positive and cheerful he was in a fairly challenging environment. It is clear from reading the comments how important he was to many people who worked with him.

When I first met James face to face, he said that Dutch people appear to be much more friendly when you actually see and meet them. This made me smile and with that I will never forget James and his ability to express emotions and feelings about interactions between humans. My warmest condolences to the family!

I had a pleasure to collaborate with James starting already when he was at Oxford Outcomes/ICON. He was always very kind, calm, funny, solution oriented, and could also ”step into customer’s shoes”. My warmest condolences to his family.

James, of the line-managers I've had - and there have been many - you were among the best. Always kind, ready to listen, never judgmental. When I think of you, the image of Scooby Doo and the gang comes to mind, and always makes me smile. So sorry that the world goes on without you. My sincere condolences to Victoria and your lovely children. x

James has always been and will continue to be a shining light of positive energy. Incredibly dependable and just plain old easy to get along with - like a work big brother without the sibling rivalry! I hope to carry forward his energy and charisma, he is indeed someone that I will remember forever. Much love to everyone that made him into the person he became.

Although I only had the privilege of meeting James on a few occasions, I feel I have known him for many years through hearing much about both him & Heidi from their Uncle Brian. Whenever I did meet James, or spoke to him on the phone, he always came across as being such a caring, kind & helpful person who put the needs of others before his own. His family meant the world to him & he meant the world to them.

I’m grateful I had the chance to meet James. I met James when he joined Pharmerit/OH. He was such a warm-hearted colleague with a great sense of humor. I will never forget the warmth his smile brought to the team each and every day. He will be sadly missed by many. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.

James was a very kind, considerate and thoughtful person, I enjoyed working with him and deeply sad to hear of his passing. May he rest in peace.

James had a unique touch of meeting people, full of kindness and extremely opened. Always smiling and very diligent. It is hard to think he's gone. Outside work, will always remember a funny trouser fitting session in New Orléans. God bless.

I had the pleasure of working with James at Pharmerit/OH. I have read it here a few times, but have to mention it too; James had the most infectious laugh. He could make any most situation seem funny and talking to him was always a highlight of my day. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. He will be sorely missed by many, including me.

Feel lucky that we met James, mainly when he spent time collecting his wonderful children from our house and vice versa! Nothing was ever too much trouble for him, he was always calm and kind and the love for his children and for Victoria was visible. Joseph, Sammy, Isabel and Charlotte had the best Dad ever and Victoria the best husband. With love and hugs Charlotte, Tom, Zoe, Sam and Flora x

It still feels unreal. James will forever be cherished as a kind and thoughtful peer, suave professional and a much-loved and respected senior member of our team. James' sunny personality, funny anecdotes and empathy could liven up the most dreary situations. One of my fondest memories of James is the time we traveled to Belgium for a 3-day client workshop. My luggage got stolen on the train, and James offered to accompany me to the shopping center while he patiently waited downstairs - enjoying a gelato :) (Liz later joked that his only true reason for coming along was the ice cream). Victoria, at every informal team dinner, it clearly came across just how much James adored you and the children. Wishing you all the strength and every comfort in these difficult times.

Sheila and I are absolutely choked at the passing away of James.At such a young age and leaving a wife and young family it is heart rendering. What does bring about in these circumstances is the happy memories and the joy of watching him grow up. Many memories, tales and stories will have come to the fore. James will be greatly missed but the memory of knowing him will live on. With sadness Sheila and Graham Holmes.

So very sad to hear this news. My thoughts are with James family, especially his wife and children. I worked with James at Oxford Outcomes and he was always so kind. Sending lots of love and best wishes, especially for Tuesday.

I’ve known James, my nephew, since he was 4 hours old and we enjoyed many happy times together in our home in Northolt when James and Heidi used to visit us as children. I have such lovely memories of trips to Kew Gardens with James and the family and of staying at their home in Malton. He was a great help to me after I lost my husband Brian (his uncle) and I spent a lovely Christmas at their home in Oxford. My Thoughts and prayers go to Victoria, Joseph, Samuel, Isabel, Charlotte boo, Tricia, Heidi, Paul & the children, at this difficult time. He will always hold a special place in my heart, love Gwen xx

I had the pleasure of working with James at Oxford Outcomes/ICON between 2012 to 2018. He was such a warm-hearted, funny and kind person. He really cared for people he worked with and looked out for them. I remember James would have a huge smile on his face whenever he talked about his children and was the proudest dad when he brought them to the office. He was a wonderful person and will be sorely missed. My heartfelt condolences to Victoria, the kids and James’ whole family.

James was only a baby when I was 17 and was so funny. I remember him getting so excited and hanging on to fistfuls of my hair. Because of the distance and age gap we didn't see him very often but he was such a lovely person and we were proud to hear of all his achievements. My thoughts are now with Victoria and the children, Trisha, Heidi and Paul. X

I first met James, aged 11 when we were thrown together in just about every class at secondary school. Lots of memories come to mind from school, including our amusing Latin teacher who used to recite verbs whilst walking around on the table tops and James enthusiastically debating poetry with our English teacher. We then went onto sixth form together- again so many happy and funny memories - James falling out of a canoe into the River Ouse is one that always makes me smile. Whilst not having been in touch much over the last few years (life gets in the way), I have thought of him often and am terribly sad that he is no longer with us. Much love to Victoria and all the family who I hope in time will draw comfort from all of their happy memories of James.

James was only a baby when I was 17 and was so funny. I remember him getting so excited and hanging on to fistfuls of my hair. Because of the distance and age gap we didn't see him very often but he was such a lovely person and we were proud to hear of all his achievements. My thoughts are now with Victoria and the children, Trisha, Heidi and Paul. X

I had the great pleasure to work with James in Pharmerit/OPEN Health. He was always so helpful, and cheerful bringing his great sense of humor into every conversation. I fondly remember our talks about where to find the best sausage venues in Berlin. Sending much love to his family.

James, I didn’t really know you but I heard so much about you and your wonderful family from Brian and Gwen over the years. I can see from the memories people have shared here, that you were a very special man and you will be greatly missed by many. My thoughts are with Victoria, your children, your mum and Heidi, and I send my heartfelt condolences, love and strength to you all ❤️

James loved life his family and his friends, he was one of the friendliest and supportive peopel you could meet. I feel privileged to have worked with James at Pharmerit/OPEN Health and miss his friendship greatly. His loss has been a shock and my thoughts are with his family and close friends at this time.

Don’t think of him as gone away his journey’s just begun, life holds so many facets this earth is only one. Just think of him as resting from the sorrows and the tears in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days and years. Think how he must be wishing that we could know today how nothing but our sadness can really pass away. And think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched… for nothing loved is ever lost and he was loved so much.

I have had the opportunity to meet and work with James at Pharmerit. James was always willing to help and so thankful for the help or support he received. I will always remember his smile and kindness. Such a great loss. My thoughts are with his family.

Such a lovely lad. Full of love and happiness. Beloved by his sister and devoted mother. Sorely missed by all

Such a lovely lad. Full of love and happiness. Beloved by his sister and devoted mother. Sorely missed by all

James and I did the York MSc in Health Economics together back in 2007/08. He was such a great guy, always in a good mood and nice to be around. Still remember doing group work with him and how much fun we had preparing slides and studying together. We had very little contact in the following years unfortunately. I am really sad to hear you are no longer with us. Rest in peace mate.

Remembering James who we have known for many years. Sending our love...and remembering in our prayers all his family. With Love Lynne and Mike Townend

I have had the opportunity to work alongside James at Pharmerit/OPEN Health. James has been a great colleague and I Ioved working with him. Still recall my trip to Oxford where James, Liz and I went on a day trip to search for a new Pharmerit office location in the Oxford area. We had such a great time, driving around in his VW van. He will be greatly missed by many of us. My thoughts are with Victoria, Joseph, Samuel, Isable, Charlotte, Trishae and Heidi.

James was my manager, colleague, and even more so my friend for 10 years. I met James when I joined Oxford Outcomes back in 2013 and we went through the journey together of ICON and then Pharmerit/ OPEN Health. Writing this brings me such sadness and I still can’t quite comprehend that James is no longer with us, but at the same time I can find joy in the many happy memories I have from our time together. James supported me in both my professional and personal growth over the years, and I have him to thank for so many of the tough times he helped me through and for where I am today. No matter what the situation, he always found the time to have a chat and I remember fondly many of our ad-hoc meetings to complain about work, or to just catch up on life. James loved his food, and I was always amazed that no matter where we were in the world from our travels with work, he would know a great little restaurant on the corner of some random street. Without fail the food always lived up to expectations. I also remember some of the periods where Victoria would be imposing a strict diet on James, with a healthy packed lunch and no sugary treats. We would have to laugh when he could no longer resist and snuck over to the café for a cheeky bar of chocolate. Whenever I talked with James he always spoke with such joy about you, Victoria, and the kids, and it was obvious to me that his family was always his number one priority in life. My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time and I hope some of my fond memories can bring you some comfort.

When James joined Pharmerit I thoroughly enjoyed him sharing his client management experience through joyful anecdotes. Although with James’s youngest daughter being a similar age as my first born, his stories about his large family wills stay with me the most. He will be greatly missed by many, including me.

I had the pleasure to get to know James while working at Pharmerit. I remember him as always being a very cheerful person. Someone who wasn't afraid to share his light with others. And that light will continue to spread by all of the lives he touched.. May we all find strength in all of the memories of James being shared, seeing the traces he has left in the lives of so many people.

Having been away in New Zealand for nearly 3 years I wasn't aware of just how ill James was and so was devastated to hear of this sad sad news. James was such a dignified , unassuming gentle person . A terrible loss for his family of whom he was so proud and by whom he was so loved.

A gentleman and a true family man. James was always someone people looked up to, and went to for advice. I have lots of fantastic memories of James, from sitting next to him in Geology (copying his notes, and being mischievous together on geology trips) rowing down the river Ouse in York, of which he excelled. I was also lucky enough to have a super adventure in 1998 with James to Portugal for a week, when we visited the World Expo in Lisbon, and made a trip to a town we put a random pin on the map for, to a place called Santarem, to find the ‘real’ Portugal, which was really special. It was a fabulous holiday, full of laughter, fun, and adventure, with lots of memories. I always remember fondly us clinking glasses, on the citadel, with majestic views over the Rio Tejo and the great spread of wetland plains. James was a kind, caring person, full of encouragement, and a devoted family man, truly one of Yorkshire’s finest. My thoughts, love and condolences are with his beloved Victoria and all the family. x

James, you were an amazing colleague and a wonderful human being. I always enjoyed working with you during ICON days. You always stayed true to who you were, a quality we need more of in this world. My life is most definitely richer for having known you and I truly thank you for that. Thank you for always welcoming me to the Oxford office with a big friendly smile; I can’t quite believe that we won’t have a catch-up over ISPOR ever again. I know you will be missed by so many people that crossed paths with you, you will be remembered very fondly. To Victoria and the children, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you lots of love and light xx

Since we were kids James was always the peacemaker, the voice of reason, the brother I never had, the best friend, the guide and support when things went wrong. He was always there when you needed him. I used to tease him all the time and he would never rise to the bait, just shake his head and laugh. And here's the thing James, I used to tease you to make you laugh on purpose, because your laugh was one of the best and I will miss it so much. Xx

James, what can I say from the moment you were born you were loved. Making grandad George crawl around the floor pretending to be an elephant to the pageboy is a sailor suit at our wedding . To the graduate stressing over his first job. To the man you became the loving husband and father. You were our nephew and we loved you dearly. You may be gone but memories last forever. Sending so much love to Victoria and the children.

My thoughts go out to James' family and friends. As a colleague, he was thoughtful, generous and respected, always willing to help out and fun to be around.

James and I first met during our MSc at York University. We bonded throughout the year and were very happy when placed in the same project group. Being four guys, it wasn’t the easiest dissertation group, but James had a knack of getting things done and sorting out the bad behaviour. Over the years we kept in touch and continued to meet whenever we could at conferences or on the phone. He always spoke about his family and was very proud of being a father. As I had kids, over the years I would go to James for advice as I knew he would be more than keen to help and loved sharing his experience of being a dad. He was someone I always looked up to and will miss him dearly. My thoughts go out to his wife and children.

James always had a smile to share and was full of love, pride and admiration for his family. My heart goes out to them. He will be much missed.

I have some great memories of James as an Oxford Outcomes and then ICON colleague. James had a great sense of humour, a truly lovely person. I am so saddened by this news. He will be missed by so many. Sending much love to his family.

Devastating news. Such a gentle man. Much Love to you all.. 💔

James had the most incredible laugh and would light up any room he came into. He was a great mentor, always ready to lend a hand or ear and so very knowledge. Sending lots of love to Victoria and the family.

I was absolutely floored by this news! I have worked with James, he was such a lovely guy, i cannot quite believe it. Sending lots of love and strength to his family! xx

I was shocked and very saddened to hear this news. James was a great guy. We worked together at ICON. He was extremely knowledgeable and impressive to listen to. I really enjoyed meeting up with him at ISPOR meetings. Sending much love to James’s family.

I have fond memories of studying health economics with James at York. A kind, thoughtful person. Sending my best wishes to his family.

I had the pleasure of knowing and working with James for over 5 years. James, you had been a dear friend, a colleague, a guide when needed, and fun to be around with. Your spirit and kind heart will stay with us. So shocked and deeply saddened by the news, I hope Victoria and the children will find the strength to carry on.

James was a wonderful colleague and generous mentor. I appreciated James' steady leadership, professionalism, good advice, and willingness to roll up his sleeves to complete the work -- all with good cheer and a laugh. It was clear to all who knew James that family was a priority and well-loved. My sincerest condolences and thoughts are with Victoria and the boys.

James, I could not believe the news when I heard it. On our weekly catch ups, you'd always tell me about your family and kids, and encouraged me to enjoy my time with my own little daughter then. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this very difficult time. Victoria and family, please accept my deepest condolences.

It feels like I have known James forever, through my time at Oxford Outcomes and then making the leap to becoming the demanding client. A truly nice guy, and a pleasure to work with. My thoughts are with you All.

James was an incredible person to work with. A true professional with both expertise and integrity. He will be very much missed. Sending much love to his family.

James, I never knew you as well as I did Victoria and your four wonderful children , but I will always remember you as a charming chap who we’d chat with from a distance on dog walks … not because of Covid but because our dogs never got on ! Such a sad and tragic early departure from this world. Rest in peace James. xx🤍xx

I had the pleasure of sitting next to James (or opposite) for over 5 years in my time at Oxford Outcomes and ICON. When I suffered difficulties with my first pregnancy James was so incredibly supportive of me. He was such a kind person, had a great sense of humour and an all round great guy. I was so shocked and saddened to hear the news of his passing. Thinking of Victoria and the family at this very difficult time.

It’s almost 31 years ago since I met James - at 6th Form in York. I don’t know how or when, but a bunch of us became firm friends for the 2 years we were there (& went on an eventful hols to France!). We grew up together and it’s been fabulous seeing how everyone has flourished. But as always life gets in the way and contact becomes less and less, you assume people will always be there, and you out off that call or visit. But James was one of the most kind hearted, intelligent, honest, fair and funny people you could ever meet. A down right lovely human. He’ll be missed but remembered with much joy (& laughter too … I still have the photos!) All my love and condolences go to the whole family - Victoria and the kids especially so Xxx

We didn’t have the pleasure of meeting you but heard all about you from your wonderful wife Victoria & family. Our thoughts are with them all with much love Christine and girls (Churchill Hosp)

I had the pleasure of working with James at Oxford Outcomes/ICON and more recently at Open Health. He was a kind, supportive and wonderfully warm-hearted colleague who loved sharing stories of his family with pride. He brightened up corporate lunches and events with his wit and humour and was the kind of person everyone hoped they would be sat next to. He will be greatly missed and I am thinking of his family at this difficult time.

James's laugh was infectious and it would always make me smile. I loved working with James at OPEN Health. It was and still is such a shock. Sending lots of love of hugs to the family.

I have special memories of James as an Oxford Outcomes colleague and I’m very saddened to hear the news. I would make a beeline to talk to him; being in his company was always a delight. I will miss his gentle nature and great sense of humour. My thoughts are with Victoria and the children. X

Fond memories of working with James at Oxford Outcomes and then ICON. Extremely shocking and sad news and my love and best wishes go to James's family. I know he will be very missed by so many people

James was an amazing colleague and friend. We were guaranteed to meet biannually. I as did many, looked forward to that connection, meetings will never be the same again, I will look for him and see an empty space. He was full of life and love and his electric smile could power the world… he will be missed! Please accept my condolences…the world has lost an amazing light force.

Such an amazing man, full of love, fun and intelligence. James and Victoria are such an inspirational team, James will be sorely missed but never forgotten. 💙