We wanted to take the opportunity to recognise the contribution and impact he made to thousands of students and his colleagues during his time at Kaplan.
James joined Kaplan as a tutor back in 2004, teaching Financial Reporting and Audit across our main professional Accounting qualifications in Newcastle. With a 100 mile round trip each day, into work, he was always reliable and his commitment to his students and his colleagues was exemplary. He never wanted to let anyone down.
James represented so many of the qualities that many talk about, but few can deliver. With a quiet dignity, never allowing his troubles or concerns to impact his professional approach to work, he had an admirably strong will to fight and persevere.
He also had a dry wit and subtle sense of humour and was a real expert in Corporate Reporting - his specialist subject. When not teaching, he had a penchant for checked shirts and was a big man with an even bigger heart.
He will be remembered as a very gentle and kind-hearted person, with a dry Yorkshire sense of humour. Always respectful, always willing, and diligent. There’s a James shaped hole in our team, which will be difficult to fill.
James leaves behind his wife Emma and two children, Oliver (14) and Sophie (18).
In his memory, a JustGiving page launch has been set up to raise money for British Heart Foundation.