James Alexander

James Alexander - A Life

James Alexander was my friend.

He was born on 6th December 1957 and died on 6th December 2007 - exactly 50 years old to the day.

I knew him for 35 years and 3 months.

As my birthday is in November of the same year we shared many "in between" celebrations over the years. The one I shall remember most was our "in between" 21st in London. At the time, he was working for Stirling Executive Recruitment agency in Swiss Cottage and dropped in to see me in Kensington in late November after work. By that time, all our friends who had been in London in University and colleges had gone home to various parts of the world and so we saw fit to celebrate our 21st alone together.

We went for a drink (in his souped up red Rover with racing twin-cams!) at the Serpentine Bar in Hyde Park. We had a couple of very strong German beers, and as it was a week day we decided that despite the birthday celebrations we should go home early. As we were getting up to go, we spotted a bottle of champagne on the bar, already on ice. Looking at each other, and it being our 21st's we thought "what the hell" and went for it.

As we half finished the bottle the young pretty blonde waitress came up to us and apologised profusely saying she was in trouble because it was a display bottle and not for sale and she didn't even know how much to charge us. Already well-piggled (and she being pretty and blonde) we said "Don't worry we'll get another bottle of champagne - your most expensive!". (To this day I have no idea who paid and how much it was).

At 11pm closing time, after 2 strong beers and one bottle of champagne each we left the bar to get into his car. The cold winter air hit us and immediately both felt TOTALLY drunk. Sitting in the car we decided James couldn't drive so we sat in the car with the heater going for a while and then decided we should walk it off. Imagine, about half-past midnight, two tottering drunks bumping off trees on the way to the water in the Serpentine. In that short walk, I threw up under a tree, I lost my glasses, and James and I ended up flat on our backs on the cycle path. Getting up on my elbows I told James that there was a big white bicycle painted on the "road" and his reaction was (in total darkness in the middle of the night after the gates of Hyde Park had been closed to the public) "quick, don't get run over, get off the road!"

Eventually we crawled back to the car and sat in it with the heater on. At about 3am there was a knock on the window which woke us up - a couple of bobbies wondering what was up with us. I think they could smell what was wrong when we rolled down the window. Luckily they warned us that having the engine on technically meant we were in charge of a vehicle while drunk so they asked us to switch it off. So we fell back asleep in the cold.

At 6am we were woken by the thump of healthy jogging feet. Sounded like elephants.

Feeling reasonable enough (but no doubt in today's breathalyser-world probably well over the limit) James dropped me off then went home. I went to work at 9am with matchsticks under my eyes and I don't think James went to work at all.

We met again the next evening for ONE hair of the dog.

I created this blog site to remember him and to show how, in his quiet, shy way, he touched everyone he ever met. In his 50 years, he lived a life worthy of several lifetimes as shown by the tributes that follow. I'd always imagined that one day he would retire to Australia, a country he loved next to Malaysia, and we would be retired next door neighbours.

This is not my blog. It is James' blog by all his friends who are quoted herein. Please feel free to contribute.

Teik Peng Oh

Email sent to UWC list on 7 December 2007

Dear Friends

I am saddened to be the one who has to give you the news that James Alexander, one of my best friends at UWC, passed away on Thursday 6th December.

It was his 50th birthday.

James passed away at his home in Kuala Lumpur, after dinner with

Jeevan and Vasugi and "the gang" the evening before on the 5th. On the 6th, Jeevan and Vasugi and others tried to call him out for a birthday party but got no replies. Late that evening one of his friends went to his house and entered to find Jim on his bed. It appears that he may have had a heart attack while he was in bed and Vasugi tells me that he did not appear to have suffered. There will be a post-mortem tomorrow.

James is survived by his mother, herself infirm and living in Scotland.

Amanda and I saw him every year at Christmas, and if you remember from my Reunion Newsletters, the whole idea of the reunion in December 2005 came from a drunken barbeque at our house in Perth when Jim and I reminisced about SIS and Amanda suggested we organise the reunion. We looked forward to seeing him again this year but it is now not to be - we shall remember him from many memories including last year when he specially drove down from KL to Singapore when Amanda and I were there for a couple of days, to keep our record of seeing each other every Christmas.

Many thanks to Jeevan and Vasugi, who, as true friends, are organising everything in KL. Jeevan will see about his funeral which will be held in KL sometime after 14th December - I will email more details of this when I know in a day or so. For those of you who will attend, it will be another reunion, sadly.

Jim's mother has decided that he should be cremated and his ashes scattered at the rubber estate where he grew up at Batang Berjuntai. I am glad as despite a life time of travel around the world, his birthplace of Malaysia is the place he loved.

Teik

7th December 2007

From Di Flett who met James through Encounter Overland

Dear Teik

Thank you for letting me know of the passing of James. I am shocked and saddened…

James would stay with me and my dog, Miss Daisy, here in Melbourne at Xmas time on his annual trip to Australia. I met James in East Africa when he was the driver on my trip with Encounter Overland in 1986. He was a good friend and a gentleman.

Kind regards, Diane

From Sarah & Kevin Dyer

Hi Teik,

Thank you for letting us know.
We were so shocked and deeply saddened to hear about James.

I got to know him again at the reunion and Kevin, having met him for the first time, found him to be so easy to get on with. We had many laughs and good conversations with James during that time.

We can't imagine the sadness you would be feeling in losing your best friend as he was such a lovely genuine person. It is nice to know that he enjoyed a good night surrounded by friends before he died.

He will be always be remembered with fondness by all that knew him.


Thinking of you,

Love,

Sarah & Kevin

From Jono Lichtenstein

Teik,

How sad. Strange the memories that come streaming in at the thought of his name…all lovely. He had a glow about him in

Singapore

.

Thanks very much for letting me know,

Take care Teik

All best

Jono

From Adrienne Pearson

Dear Teik

Thank you for sharing this very sad and shocking news.

I am a bit at a loss for words. At least he passed away in Malaysia and after a evening with dear friends. I did not really know James well, but have happy memories of wonderful culinary excursions in and around KL with James, Jeevan and Vasugi last January. I looked forward to enjoying his quiet company on future visits.

Pity. 50 is really too young!

Adrienne

From Ng Kiat Lan

Hi Teik,

This is really sad news. Luckily Margaret forwarded the email to me - pls note the change in my email address. Do let us know about the funeral, etc.

Rgds,

Kiat Lan

From Mucki Tan

Please convey my condolences to the family.  It is always sad to see a friend who suddenly passed away.  Should you decide to go to the funereal and will pass by Singapore do let me know.

Mucki Tan

From Anna Thompson Hall

Teiki darling

I am so saddened to hear this news.  I am in the UK at the moment, and only saw Babsi the night before last ... we were talking about James as we had both written to him to send him our birthday wishes.

He was such a sweet and lovely man.  We spent quite some time chatting at the reunion in Singapore - and I know Babsi has maintained close contact with him since.

I have tried phoning Babsi, as I think she may not have received a copy of this email as her current email address is (deleted).  I have tried forwarding this to her but have been unable to - could you possibly also resend these details to her at that address.

My love as always to you - and if I could only be there with you and Jeevan to give you both the biggest hug and love I could ... I know how upset I am - and I can only imagine how distraught you must all be as you were so much closer to James.

Is there any way we can contact James' mother to let her know how loved and admired he was by his friends; it may be some comfort for her in this dreadful time.

My love as always
Anna xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Anna Thompson-Hall & Robert Beckett

From Evan Garcia

Dear Teik,

As has been the case so often, you are our herald.

I am sorry to hear of this loss. One of our number is gone, and even those of us who drifted away a long time ago must feel it.

Pls add my prayers to your own for James.

Take care old friend.

EVAN

From Jane Lichtenstein

Teik
I'm so sorry to hear this. He was a lucky man to have had such fime friends as you Jeeves. I'm so sorry for you too: you really loved him.
Hope all well otherwise?

Love
Jane
Xx

From Brett Cabot

Dear Teik,

Terrible news to here about James. I didn't know him so well back in school days

but did feel that we clicked during the reunion in Singapore. He was a man of spirit

someone you could get on with spontaniously without pretention, without judgement.

Your news took the wind out of my sails today, so I called Jeevan and Vasugi

Its funny but I needed to touch base with someone and to say what a great guy he was.

He certainly made an impact on me in the short time we all

enjoyed in Singapore and the 30 year reunion. We are both pigs in the chinese horoscope.

And seemed to have quite alot in common.

I just want to say to you, his Mum and all his friends, to be strong in such a sad time

and to remember and celebrate James.

kind regards

Brett Cabot

From Brian Thompson

Hello Teik. Thank you for your kind message, and for having the courage to be the one to bear the sad news. James was a lovely person and I guess the fact that he is our age reminds us of the fragility and pricelessness of our own lives. Let's hope we spend them well.

With best wishes

Brian (Thompson)

From Jenny Gough (Pawley)

Dear Teik
So very sorry to hear the sad news. There is nothing that I can say that can make you feel better. Often life seems so cruel and unfair and James' with his quiet nature and love of life should still be with us today. Anna and I were only just talking about him the other day and she told me it was his birthday and to send him an e-card. Me being me forgot and once again I am reminded that we have to do things when we think of them as we never know how long any of us have got. My deepest sympathy to you and Amanda at what should have been a happy reunion at Christmas. My thoughts are with you both. All my love Jenny Gough

From Jane Greenwood

So sad to hear the news, many thanks for letting us know. Suddenly starting to feel I am getting old although mentally I still see myself as being in the 6th form at UWC.

Take care Teik, my thoughts will be with all of you at James' funeral.

Best wishes

Jane (Greenwood)

From Anne Redfern (Pelling)

Dear Teik,

I am so sorry to hear of your sad loss. Thinking of you.

Anne x

From Jeevan Sellappah

Hello Teik,

Thank you very much for sending out the notice to our alumni friends.

Last night, we heard from Brett Cabot, David Hanna & Harriet Mantell, and Americk Sidhu.

His mother has adsorbed the news, but is far from absorbing it ...

And his cousin, Colin Bandeen, arrives in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, 10-12-2007.

We shall contact you with updates so that you can inform the community about the funeral arrangements.

Finally, KC Chong's new e-address is (deleted)

I am forwarding this e-mail to KC to make it easier for you to incorporate his new e-address in your distribution list.

Jeevan Sellappah

From Leonie McKenna

Dear Teik,

i am so sorry to hear the news of James and your loss of such and endurng friendship. I will include him and you in my nightly blessings.

Hope that you and Amanda are otherwise well

with much love

Kenna (Leonie!)

From David Hanna and Harriet Mantell

Teik,  a beautiful and very dignified message, thank you.  We are thinking of you dear friend, much love Harriet and David

From Charles Engmann

Teik

I am very saddened by the news of James' demise.  He was such a sensitive and helpful person.  I had not seen him for years but on arriving in KL for your re-union almost two years ago I was deeply touched by his kindness. 

I know how you, him and Jeevan were true friends from the start.  It did not surprise me.  More so that your wonderful friendship survived this long.

In your wretchedness, you must not forget to look after yourself.  Be glad that you met him so as to enrich your life.  I wish you deep peace when you think of him.  Lol to you and Amanda.

C D Engmann

From Bill Lodwick

Dear Teik,

I am very sorry to hear about James. He was way too young. I know he was a good friend of yours and I grieve with you especially.

With love,

Bill

From Kim Ivey

Thanks Teik. I've very sorry that you have lost such a close mate.

I've just got off the phone with Jeeves and Vasugi. Jeevan is taking care of everything. They had just come back from cleaning his house. Going from planning a birthday bash for James to planning his funeral is something I would wish on no one.

Best to you and Amnada.

Regards,

Kim & Kim

From Nicoletta de Denaro

Dear Teik,

Sad to hear of your loss. I hope the medical reports will confirm it was a painless departure, and that this will be of some comfort to you and his friends.

Sorry our paths did not cross while we were in Sydney - at the moment we are living in San Francisco. If you are in this part of the world, come and visit.

A big affectionate hug and wishes for peaceful holidays,

Nicoletta

From Carole Douglas

Hi Teik,

Still shocked about James. I spoke to Pat, Roz and Jen but can't find Babsi's contact details. Do you have them?? I know Anna knows so I'm sure she will be aware. How very, very sad.

Carole

From Jenni Van Ellemeet (Ferrie)

Hi tiek

How do I reply to  this news….

What a shit..

From Chris Mainland

Teik,

This news saddens me. Despite not really knowing James at school (different years), I was fortunate enough to share a few beers and yarns with him at the reunion and found him a very pleasant and friendly fellow, and would have welcomed meeting up with him again in the future. Sadly, not to be. And 50, obviously, is just way too young.

My sympathies to his family and to those such as yourself, Amanda, Jeevan, Vasugi and others who knew him a lot better and longer than I. I know you all must feel his loss very deeply.

Regards

Chris   

From Carol Tasker (Lynch)

Hello Teik,

I was saddened to hear the news of Jame's passing. Before I opened your email I somehow knew that James had died. I will always remember James for his kindness and his zest for life. When we lose someone dear to us it makes us realise how fragile our lives are which makes it important to share and live our lives to the fullest.

James

A light has dimmed, a story told,

Remember when we were not so old?

Remember how we used to live,

and play

and laugh

and hold each day within our hearts?

Remember too, how life was ours,

How we would live each day,

each minute,

each hour?

How did we move to where we are,

How did the time flash by so fast?

What remains within our minds

are ‘pictures’ of friends,

of love,

of life.

And now we extract them

and place them in our hearts.

I am so pleased I went to our reunion and it was wonderful to see you all and see what paths you all took. Life seems to be precious when its gone.

Take care

Carol

Again, Charles Engmann

Hello Jeevan, Vasugi and Teik, Amanda

Just to let you know that lots of people are thinking of you for your loss.  It is not easy to lose a childhood friend who has grown with you into adulthood.
And yet, having met James in both stages of his life, I think I understand what binded you three together.  Herein lies the pain and privilege and thse together make up the deep sorrow.  I feel for you because I felt that bad, too, when Stani passed away.  My world turned upside down and into a strange shape but his father told me Stani would want me not to let sorrow drown me.  I offer you the same words with the same intentions.  As he is the first of your closest friends to die it reminds us all of our mortality and it is scary, so resolve to make each day count and, still, be glad to have shared wonderful times with him.

I am here if you think I can do or say anything to help you.  Hang on to each other and take care of each other.  I send you all my Blessings in the hope of a peace in your souls. 

If James' parents or siblings are around/alive, please, send them my respectful condolences for their loss.

C D Engmann

From Pam Edmonds (Higgin)

Dear Teik

Thank you for letting me know about the sad news of James.

Initially I was delighted to see an e-mail from you and then the obvious shock of one of our colleagues dying so suddenly and ‘young’.

As you mentioned it was James we all have to thank for getting us together again after 30years and on home ground too. For us it marked a turning point in the way we

celebrate our Christmas since the reunion occurred just after my Dad died spurring us on to return to S/pore. Enjoying the atmosphere so much we returned last

Christmas and are doing the same this year too, although this time we are spending Christmas from the 22^nd Dec. in Penang and then on to S/pore for a few days on the

29^th. Unfortunately too late probably to attend James funeral. Please pass on my condolences to his family.

Take care

Love Pam

From Pam Oon

Dear Teik,

I am so sorry to hear about James. My prayers for you and his mother.

Love

Pam

From Nathalie Heyden (Watson)

Dear Teik

I have just come back from a weekend away to find this very sad email from you. With all of us slowly turning 50 – it makes you realise how much we take things for granted at times.

Thank you so much for letting me know and I feel very sad for you that you have lost such a special and old friend.

May he rest in peace…….

Nathalie

Moira Welikanna's (Encounter Overland friend) email to EO friends

Subject: JAMES T ALEXANDER

Hello All, I just want to update you on the situation re the funeral. As yet I dont have a date but it will be after the 16th December in Kuala Lumpur. James mother has requested that he be cremated there and his ashes scattered on the estate where he grew up. I have had an email from the celebrant  conducting the funeral, asking me to provide some information re his time with Encounter Overland. She also indicates that as the celebrant she can read out any eulogies. I know some of you might want to write something, so send them to me and I will forward them on. i suppose we had better keep them as brief as possible, if that is possible, you must all have some little memory or good opinion of James. i have been inundated with communications, from Ex EO staff, James never understood or was too modest to, understand how highly thought of he was. If one good thing has come out of this, a lot of people are in touch again after years.
I know many of you have passed messages on, accross the globe, so thanks for that.

Would any of you be interested in contributing to some sort of lasting memorial, I am open to suggestions, myself and Aroha are going to have a memorial curry at the Jubraj in Acton to say goodbye, anybody want to join us?

Love to you all

MOIRA

From Jane Warren

Thanks Teik – how very sad.  While I really didn’t know him well I was very fond of him at school and drawn to something about him at the reunion.

We will raise a glass of wine to his memory tonight.

All the best

Jane

From Martine Royal

Dear Teik,

Thank you for letting me know. I was saddened to hear about James and sorry for you and those who have lost an old friend but I was happy to hear that he went peacefully and in his beloved Malaysia.

I didn't know that our fantastic reunion's birth was at a drunken bbq, with James and yourself and Amanda! He may be gone but he left a wonderful legacy of friendships and memories resurrected and flourishing for those of us who had lost touch.

I wondered if you wouldn't mind sending me a recent photo of James, for a few x-sis'ers who had not seen James since our sis days.

My condolences to all who loved James.

Martine

Moira's bio of James in his Encounter Overland days - an eye opener for UWCers perhaps

James Todd Alexander joined the overland expeditioning company Encounter Overland in 1983 to train as an expedition leader/driver. In those days there were more astronauts in the world than professional, commercial expedition leaders. It was a time when the term “Adventure Travel” meant just that, not the luke warm watered down version it has become. Making it through his training he was fairly quickly earning his reputation as a fully fledged expedition leader of some distinction. He went everywhere that Encounter Operated during his career, I have lost count of the times he crossed the Sahara, negotiated the very hard terrain of Zambia as it was then, building and repairing bridges as he went, long before Michael Palin led the world to believe he was the only white man to complete the great Trans Sudan train journey, James had done it, without the aid of a full BBC team, and being fully responsible for the well being of 20 other people, his group, the clients. Most of the time he would be driving his beloved Bedford “adventure machine” as they were affectionately known, James and the vast majority of his colleagues at the time were “Supermen” and “Superwomen”, not only did they drive their groups thousands of miles over difficult terraine,and through primitive countries, negotiating en route with corrupt border officials, repairing and servicing their “adventure machines”, they were ambassadors, negotiators, psychologists, accountants, they had to think of safety, group dynamics, managing the “team” health issues for themselves and others. I could go on. James achieved this with a modest aplomb, which became his hallmark. His groups loved him; as did his colleagues,many became firm friends and were still in touch with him until his death. He had a formidable reputation. A quote I received today "James was my inspiration".

James worked all over Africa, South America and Asia, he drove from London to Cape town, from Cairo to Nairobi, around the great game parks, across the deserts, through the jungles, crossed the great rivers. In South America, he drove the entire circle of South America, Rio back to Rio, both north bound and Southbound finding himself at Carnival on more than one occasion. He loved that. In South America his versatility as a driver extended also to driving coaches, he had an excellent safety record.

Asia was a similar story, he drove the strait route across Europe, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan and India to Kathmandu, in both trucks, coaches and once in a mini bus, he also did the route down through Europe and Turkey Jordan, Egypt Syria and up to Asia through Iran, Pakistan and India to Kathmandu. If my memory serves me well he also combined Africa with Asia, travelling from Nairobi to Kathmandu, always with his groups, all enjoying themselves immensely. He was a natural leader of men, and women. Though he was always too modest to acknowledge this.

A considerable part of his career was driving charter groups from Hong Kong, around Europe and Russia, in luxury coaches, he thoroughly enjoyed this for a “rest “ as he said, the groups loved Mr. James. I think he just enjoyed the food. Wherever he went he had his favourite watering holes, whether Nurullas in Delhi, The Everest Steak House in Kathmandu, Carnivores in Nairobi, and a hundred others worldwide, he could be found with his feet up a beer and a large plate of food at his side, at the end of an arduous expedition, he deserved it.

This lifestyle was, obviously far from simple, but James relished it. Sometimes he would have to strip to his underwear to get under the truck in the severe bogs that littered Zaire; I have seen pictures of him looking like a big mud baby. In South America, he and his group were held up by bandits, despite a pistol whipping James cool head got them all out alive minus a few belongings. He very rarely spoke of this, and never gave himself any credit for his bravery, and composure.

During his longer than average career as an Encounter Leader Driver, our dear friend James passed on his Knowledge and expertise to many new recruits. His driving was of the highest standard. His people skills superb, finally he came into the office to run what was commonly known as Hot Seat, for a year he became the trouble shooter for all the guys and gals out on the road leading expeditions, his phenomenal knowledge helped many many people to avoid or get out of trouble.

He left Encounter in 1992 to pursue other things, and eventually commenced work in the European Cycle world, but he still came back to Encounter in his time off and led a few trips, until he had finally had enough.

I had known James 22 years, he was one of the most respected men in the Overland Travel business, known widely in many countries, His life though sadly short, touched hundreds if not thousands of people, many will agree that the experiences he shared with them changed and enhanced their lives. He did and achieved more in his precious 50 years than most do in a long life time. The term most widely used to describe James is “A TRUE GENTLEMAN”. Hurrah to that, but so much more.

James will never be forgotten, his stories and adventures have already been passed on to another generation.

From Katie Shaw

Dear Teik and Amanda,

We are so sorry to hear the news about James. What a shock after seeing him at the reunion…..how precious time is……

we will be thinking of you both this Christmas.

With all our love

Katie and Dean

Details of Funeral Service

James' funeral service has been finalised as follows:

* Date: Sunday, 16-December-2007

* Time:

Guests are welcome from 10 am.

The service will begin promptly at 11 am.

It is expected to conclude by 12.30 pm.

The casket will leave at 2.30 pm.

* Venue: James' home; i.e.

3A Elitis Ambal Biru

Valencia

47000 Sungai Buloh

Malaysia

* Directions:

From Kuala Lumpur City, take the North-South Highway north, in the Ipoh direction.

Exit at the Sungai Buloh toll, approx. 20 km from Kuala Lumpur.

After the toll, follow the signs to Kepong and Kuala Lumpur.

This will be the second turnoff on the left.

Approx. 100m after the toll, there will be a bridge across the new Sungai Buloh - Kepong highway.

There is a set of traffic lights immediately after the bridge.

At these lights, go straight ahead to a small roundabout.

Take the first exit on the left, i.e. at 9 o'clock, and follow the signs to Valencia.

Approx. 300m along, there will be another even smaller roundabout.

Take the second exit on the left, i.e. at 11 o'clock, and follow the signs to Valencia.

Approx. 100m later, the road turns left and you will see the Valencia Township security guardhouse.

Park your car as directed, and obtain the necessary visitor's passes.

* Dress Code:

As the service will be a celebration of James' life, the celebrant has kindly requested the guests not to wear sombre attire!

* RSVP:

For seating and catering requirements, please inform the following if you are attending:

+ Vasugi: (deleted)

+ Jeevan: (deleted)

Link to James' cycling team website where notice of his death was announced

www.qsi-cycling.com/eng/home.php

From UWCSEA Alumni Office

Dear Teik,

Many thanks for passing on the sad news. I will put a note in the news section of the site simply saying that he has passed away. My thoughts go  out to his family and friends, including yourself.

Regards,

Brenda

From Dave and Harriet upon reading Moira's account of James' EO days

Dear Teik

What a wonderful email.  A cause for true celebration of who James was and the extraordinary things that he achieved.  We are curently delayed in Beijing because of snow and so can't get a Tiger beer yet but will drink whatever beer is available, as James woiuld have done no doubt, and follow up with a Tiger when we get to Sydney.

We will not be able to get to Malaysia for the funeral but we will certainly be thinking of him and of you all at the time.  we will call you from Sydney when we get there and hope that you are bearing up OK.

Much love dear friend

Harriet and David

From Jane Lichtenstein after reading Moira's account of James' EO days

Teik

That's fascinating.  I had no idea he'd been so intrepid.  Sounds like a brilliant career!

I hope lots of good mates go to the funeral. 

Love Jane

From Colin Robertson

Hi Teik,

I’m sorry to hear that James had passed away.  Please let me know if there is anything I can do.

For your information, my new e-mail address is – (deleted)

Regards

Colin

From Quickstep cycling team after Jeevan informed them

Subject: James Alexander

Dear Mr. Sellapah,

Thank you for your email. We have sent a notice to the entire team on Friday and we personally called his dearest friends Johan and Dirk like you asked us.

We have also put the sad message on the team website witha link to the forum where people can express their sympathy. We already received many condolences and this does good. Patrick alsowrote a niceletter we have put on our website, it is in Dutch, but if you like I can translate it for you and his other friends.

The news you brought us on Friday was a giant shock wave trough the entire team. James is a very kind man and everybody just loved him.. It is just so unbelievable that he will not walk through the door in a month with his wellknown big smile. We will all miss him very much...

The only comfort for us is thathe died peacefully in the country he loved so much, surrounded by his friends.

On the other hand it is quite strange for us that we will not be able to attend his funeral, but the whole team is together in Italy next week for a training camp and we will definitely organize a moment in his remembrance.

We would like to send some flowers for the funeral, but I do not know if this is accustomed in Malaysia? If it is could you send me some more details about the funeral and an address where we can send the flowers?

If there is anything else we can do to say goodby to our dearest friendplease let us know.

Could you maybe also provide me with contact details of his mother sothat we can express our sympathy and arrange his outstanding matters?

Thank you very much for all your help and I wish you a lot of strenght in these difficult days.

Best regards,

Ro

PS: Enclosed you will find some pictures of James in the Tour de France of this summer.

Ro De Jonckere
QuickStep Innergetic Cycling Team

From Sonia Profeta

Thank you very much Teik, for all you are doing .

You have such a light way, but yet so sensitive, to touch our hearts and give us, nevertheless, something so special, so warm .

I had to meet James in Italy, He talked to me about his interests and told me that sometimes he came this way.

I was very happy to see him in the reunion and he was sort of imbarassed when I went to say hallo to him! He has always been very shy so he didn't think many people would remember him, I suppose. But I did. I always liked shy people.

And now I learn he had such a beautiful life, so full of real adventure.

In this circumstances I really hope there's life after death.

Thank you again.

Love

Sonia

From Carol Tasker on reading Moira's account of James' EO life

Hello Teik,

Thanks for the information on James. I didn't realise how much travel and life experiences James did. He certainly packed in a lifetime or two of adventure in his 50years.

Would you be able to forward the UWC list of email addresses as I have somehow lost them in my system. I would like to contact Jeevan and Americk as I know they were very good friends with James. Will you be attending the funeral? If so please pass on my condolances and have a beer from me.

Carol

From Babsi Frikstad

Dear Teik,

Thank you for being so thoughtful and kind.  I appreciate that you have been so busy with all the writing up of James' Life and all the funeral arrangements.

I am so deeply shocked and saddened by his sudden death, that I still cannot quite believe it and am having difficulty accepting the truth.

I was in touch with him only the day before by email and several SMS's - to wish him a lovely time with friends - and to plan a good time to call him on his actual birthday!

He wrote back with his typical sense of humour  and I quote:

"...a G&T will be order of the day/reverse the numbers 05!...yrs old again"

Teik, you know, perhaps how close James and I had become during the reunion and that we spent a lot of time together in early 2006. He asked me to arrange a little reunion for him on the occasions of one of his next UK visits and so at very short notice a few of us were able to meet up in London this summer. Very sadly that was the very last time we saw James.
I spoke to him at great length in November when he visited his Mum.

I have seriously thought of coming out to KL for the service of celebrating James' LIFE, but I have decided that it will be too much for me. I, too, suffer from high blood pressure. In fact we used to chuckle at the sight of all our pills combined.

If there is a possibility to have some words said at the service on my behalf , I would be eternally grateful.

Much love and gratitude for all that you are doing for your dear friend, James
From Babsi

Further message from Moira about the reaction in the EO world

Hello Viv, I have been asked to point out that James had a nickname in the office at Encounter Overland, given to him by the office girls, and that was "Jim Bob", he loved the attention he got, every morning and every night, it sounded just like "The Waltons", as each girl going home shouted "Good night Jim Bob" You would not believe the impact Dear James's death has had, there are sad ripples going on all over the world, I am inundated with emails, and phone calls from all points of the globe. There are hundreds of people that I know of grieving and organising various farewell celebrations of his life. One that came today from Pakistan "On Sunday I will be raising a Tiger Beer to a perfect Gent"
I can safely say he is being mourned in New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Pakistan, Ethiopia, South Africa, Peru, Wales, Nepal, USA, Belgium, Holland, France, Spain, Switzerland and of course, dear old England, and especially in Scotland and Malaysia. In days to come this will expand as the news gets around.  Thank you for all you are doing. I miss him very much. Very Best Regards

From Martine Royal after reading Moira's biog of James' EO days

Dear Teik,

What a lovely testament which says a lot about James and the man he was. I was happy to have met him again after all these years and to know what an incredible life he lived. Rob and I will toast to his memory with our next Tiger Beers.

Thank you Teik for taking the time to keep us all in the loop, much appreciated.

Martine

From Heather Traill (Marr)

Dear Teik
Thank you very much for sending us the information about James' death and the comments about his life and work. It was so sad to learn of his death and our thoughts are with you, Amanda, Jeevan and Vasugi.

After last year's reunion, James was generous enough to take us up to the Cameron Highlands for a few days exploring. We had a wonderful time with him and Babsi: he was such good company, very amusing, patient and concerned for our comfort. His driving was a revelation and made for a very safe and relaxing time for us all. The time we spent with him completely matched the comments made by his friend Moira and we were hoping that he would be able to visit us in Australia. For the past 2 Tours, we have kept an eye out for him and his vehicle and have felt a real interest in the fortunes of the Quickstep team.

We will spend a quiet time this Sunday morning, thinking of him and those wishing him "Farewell", and will be with you in spirit to celebrate a life well-lived.

With our very best wishes,
Heather and Malcolm

From Karen Schouten

Thank you Teik for all your hard work. Wonderful that you are keeping everyone informed.

It is very sad that James passed away so soon. What a story, on his 50th birthday. I'm glad a lot of us still had a chance to meet him in Singapore.

I'll have a look at the site (the Quickstep site) and let you know what is being posted.

Take care,

Karen Faber