JOSH ELDRIDGE:
"I remember the first time I met James in the second year of Infant School. He came up to me and asked whether I supported West Ham United, of course I said no. James had his effect on me and even got me to support West Ham for a small period of time in Juniour School. James also made me interested in football and invited me to go and play for Scotia. He also tried to get me to play for Terry Street but it didn´t work out.
We went to Billericay School and from the first day onwards I sat next to James. Looking back now we had some great laughs. He had a particular taste in girls and two of them we never let him live down.
James was the most competetive person I knew and was into every kind of sport. In year 10 we picked our options and I was lucky enough to be in James´ P.E. class. We would sit in the back and talk instead of listening. In year 11 James hardly attended any P.E. classes because that was the time they had diagnosed his tumour. However, when he was there we had a great laugh and used to talk about nutting someone (you know who I mean, Steve and Rich). At the end of the day James listened more than me in P.E. with him gaining an A whilst I got a C.
Unfortunately, I wasn´t in any of James´ classes in Sixth Form but we still saw a lot of each other in and out of school. We went on numerous holidays together. They were great holidays and I will never forget them.
James was a friend to everyone. He was the most likeable and loveable person I knew. He was there for me whenever I felt down or was in trouble. He even got me himself into trouble by cutting Andy Walkers hair in Junior School. James lived life to the fullest and I am sure that he enjoyed it. James was a great mate and he will never be forgotten. I will never have a best mate like him again. He will live in our hearts and memories.
Love ya mate!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Josh" |