Book of Remembrance

 
Photos 
·by Luke 
·by Al  
·Lurkers 
·more Lurkers 
·Nationals 99 
·Team Shirts 
·Trent Park 
·Parkers Piece 
·Strange Blue 1 
·Girton 
·James's Spirit Trophy 
 
Memories 
·from John 
·Olivier 
·David M 
·Andy 
·Ian 
·Chris M 
·Matt R 
·Phil 
·Tom 
·Dave McN 
·Mike 
·Mike F | Rik 
·Adrian 
·Alice 
·Tina | Mike J 
·Lucy 
·Kevin 
·Sander 
·Graham 
·Natalie 
·Simon | Stef 
·Luke 
·Paul 
·David & Van 
·Ico | Steve 
·Dora 
·Chris Mosier 
·Leigh | Toby 
·Al | Roger | Miles  
·Patch | Ken+Maria 
·Peter 
·Teri 
·Michel 
·Arfon 
·Hayley 
·Jason 
·Daniel 
·JD 
·Ken M 
·Chris Palmer 
·Tournaments 
·Trish 
·Sonja 
·Parade 
·Katherine 
·Rohan 
·Paul Blacketer 
·Alex King 
 
·Why? 
 
Funeral 
 
·copyright (c) 


James Metcalfe 1981-2000


James playing, Nottingham 96
James started playing ultimate with Strange Blue, the Cambridge Ultimate team, in 1994, when he was 13 years old.

He committed suicide on Thursday August 3rd 2000.

Words can't express how sad we are to lose him. The aim of this book is, with text and pictures, to remember James and all the fun times we had with him.





Please send your contributions by email to David MacKay (mackay @ mrao.cam.ac.uk) [plain text / html / images].

Nottingham team (Plate winners) - GIF(163K)
James handling - GIF(197K). James's writing on the reverse says: `Me (James Metcalfe) coming down from a jump against "Blue Arse Flies". Age: 15. Martch '96. Grayham in back ground in All bark clothes.'

James, Lurkers 1996
James, 1996 | smaller image | larger image

Pictures from Lurkers 96 (plate winners, Strange Blue)


SB at Lurkers, 1996 james and his thumb
The team:
Top row: James Dora
2nd row: Natalie Greg Marie-Christine Ian
3rd row: Alice Al David
4th row: Richard Graham Adrian Phil
5th row: Dora's airbed. [at church: Mike]

Pictures from Lurkers 96



James and the team at Nationals 99

team photo
Steve, Toby, David, Olivier, Scott, Tim, Francis, Pete, Leigh
John, Alexa, James, Rufus, Paul, Laura.

Our famous SB shirts

James designed our blue and gold shirts as part of his GCSE Art project.
team swindon
Clockwise: Mindy, Teri, Ian, Dora, Graham, Francis, Chris, Phil, David, Luke, Ico.

Strange Blue at Trent Park

team with spirit prize
Luke, ?Chris?, Natalie, David, Alice, James, Klaus, Graham, Frans, Ian, Greg, Dora, Phil
team with spirit prize2

Strange Blue on Parkers Piece with First Touch

teams
teams with Luke
Clockwise: Natalie, Chris M, Luke, Simon(FT), ?(FT), Ian, Yu-we(FT), Matthew, James, Sander, Mindy, Dave(FT), Alex, Mike S, ?(FT), Teri(FT), ?(FT), UC(FT).
J and Sander

Strange Blue 1 at Oxford

sb1 team
Clockwise: Al, David, Mike F, Tom C, Graham, David, Phil, Mike from Utah, Luke, Natalie, Jimmer, James, Andy, Ian.

James and company playing in Olivier and Alexa's garden

by Lucy

In 2000, an Ultimate trophy was dedicated to James: the Spirit-of-the-game award for the mixed ultimate tour. The winners in 2000 were Mud Culture. Mud 2000 with James's Trophy

From John Schoch

Memories of James:

I like to think James and I had a special connection, me being the oldest guy out there and he being the youngest and most brash. Our taunts and counter-taunts (trash-talk in the states) were probably tiresome to our teammates, but James and I thrived on them. I used to love to mark him because if I could stay with him, I could go home happy-despite the fact that I would be unable to move the next day while I’m sure James didn’t feel a thing. I especially loved to catch a contested disc over him or throw a scoring pass against him and chide him for his inexperience-these moments were getting rarer by the month. He’d usually just return the favour straight away and deride me for my fading endurance and old age. Just recently:

I yelled across the field at him when he took a sub during a hot Cambridge Sunday practice in June: "That’s right young man, have a nice rest in the shade!" Of course, it wasn’t long before I was off the pitch, panting under the tree, and James was on the field, shouting "Oh, old man, you disappoint me…you were supposed to be my inspiration, and now look at you….sad, very sad!"

The most lasting memory I will ever have of James - and this captures why I still play this silly game at such a silly age - was in a tournament game in 1999 against Night Fever. It was really tight and a key game and early on, as we both subbed in, James said "I want to hit you long." I played long and when I saw James take the disc on the run, I ran like the dickens for the end zone…and of course, he put it over my marker’s head and it floated right down to me for the score. That began the most enjoyable game of my life with Strange Blue… James and I hooked up for several more scores - youngest throwing to oldest. The best was a throw that got away from him and was fading toward the side-line…I managed to grab it, barely keeping my feet in bounds. James came hauling across the pitch, huge smile, screaming "I love you!" and gave me a big hug. He believed in me and threw many a rash pass, trusting the old guy to get free…to James I owe so much because he kept ME feeling young, feeling brash, feeling immortal.

His exuberance, his extreme competitiveness, his athleticism, and his tremendous sense of humour epitomize everything I value in Ultimate. As I’m sure all who knew him must feel now, I just wish I could have known…wish I could have spoken to him to talk him out of leaving us, or somehow been there to absorb some of whatever pain he was carrying. My memories of James will always be thankful. I was so lucky to enjoy playing with him over the past four years.

John Schoch


From Olivier Cottray

James inspired me on and off the pitch. I'm sure many will remember him for his relentless and jubilant style of play, his seemingly unlimited reserves of energy, his unconditional friendliness and solidarity for his teammates.

My most fond memories of him however are off the pitch, when he spontaneous ly took up the role of coach/slave-driver during coed cam 2000. Why was he not playing again? I can't remember. But he was still there. He started us off with a grueling warm up session comprising a heels-up/knees-up/sprint/jog combination around the pitches, intersparsed with '1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8' shouting bouts -a tongue-in-cheek mimic of army training and a humourous attempt and psyching our opponents out... That attitude remained throughout our games and he succeded in both keeping our spirits high and edging us on to play our best. I just remember feeling extremely thankful for that. It also epitomises what i thought of him. Competitive, talented, always giving 150%, but always tempered by good humour. All the more reason for incomprehension at what drove him to leave us so soon.

Olivier Cottray

From David MacKay

James was the best possible teammate.

He always gave 100%.
He always had a hugely exuberant sense of humour.
- Why catch it the normal way if you can catch it between your legs facing backwards?
- Why stay clean if there's mud that can be laid out in?
- Why stop your bike straight when you can stop with a 180 degree skidding tailspin?
He was always ambitious, always trying to make more spectacular plays.
He never lost his cool - I don't think he ever created any hard feelings with anyone in the team, in hundreds of games.
He epitomized the fact that ultimate can simultaneously be played for fun, and competitively at the highest level.

What a wonderful companion he was.

memories:

  • James doing 10 pressups immediately after throwing a crap pass.
  • Playing his Wonderwall tape at Ross on Wye, 1995. Everything was `wicked' then!
  • The traditions that grew up when we stretched before playing - Chris Mills saying - `James?' - `yeah?' - before quacking.
  • James shouting "read it 'n' weep!"
  • Bouncing discs to each other off the wet grass at Darwin College, around and under benches.
  • When James came back after a few months in the army, his boasts of how often he had been caught in the girls' dorm.
  • Playing midwinter golf together on Lammas land. (And James sending his prized driver that I had just given him straight into a tree above the Cam... plop. `The story of my life' I think J said.) Sometimes Gulley came along too, and James was a wonderful encouraging older brother. One time after playing golf, James showed me his favourite computer game, ordering little `grunt' soldiers around on a battlefield.
  • James winding up gracefully for a big throw.


From Andy Cotgreave

Hi Dave,

This is really devestating news.

Just this last week, while at Ross, i was watching the juniors play, and chatting with some team mates, we wondered where James was.

I only played with Strange Blue at one tournament (Alice @ Oxford, 1996) , and practised with the team a few times during that Summer. In that time, I really enjoyed James' contribution to the team. He had the energy and enthusiasm that you need to play the game, and was always involved in the jokes and fun. He had a great deal of talent, and enthusiasm for the game, in many ways also showing a maturity beyond his years. I think those are the memories I shall keep of him.

Please pass on my condolences to his family, and good luck with amassing stories and memories of his all too brief life.

Andy


From Ian Noell

I'm completely stunned by this news. James started playing Ultimate about the same time I came to Cambridge and he has always been part of Cambridge Ultimate for me. Even after he joined the army it was a pleasant surprise to find him on Jesus Green on Sunday mornings - you could always tell it was James from the style of throws. James was always so cheerful. It was always great to have his cheeky comments liven up practices and tournaments.

Some personal memories:

James running away from a huge Chris Mills blade at his first tournament (Ross-on-Wye 95). After that he insisted on catching all blades one-handed, no look, with a high percentage of catches. In fact a lot of his throws and catches had a degree of exhibitionism about them - catching between the legs was almost his trademark (even when the disc was not very low), thumbers, reverse hammers, long range hammers. I think the last time I played with him we ended up having a hammer competition which didn't please many other people but gave us a lot of laughs.

James added something special to Cambridge Ultimate that we all miss.

Ian


From Chris Mills

I generally had to apologise to anyone else whenever I threw an outrageous disc but James thrived off them

I generally had to apologise to anyone else whenever I threw an outrageous disc but James thrived off them. I recall a crucial point in a tournament against Bliss, I think. In desperation, I threw an evil slicing blade into a crowd of bodies in the end zone and I will never forget James's shocked and jubilant face at emerging with the disc clutched in his fist – awesome!

The times I spent verbally bantering with him as we thundered up and down the pitch trying to outdo each other. He loved the sparring, the competition and the eventual wrestling match to decide things!

He loved skying for the disc, loved laying out, loved just pushing himself. And yes, loved the pressups when he'd messed up.

His tremendous energy on the pitch, he really played for people and his cheeky grin are very hard to come by.

And his habit of standing there spinning a disc on his finger, wandering about and waiting for the `oldies' to get warmed up 'coz he was damn well ready to play now!

I will miss him very much.


From Matthew Robb

Hi David,

Thanks for your call yesterday. I spoke to Chris Mills earlier, and he is equally distressed, bemused, incomprehending. Please pass on my regards to Tricia and Mark. I think that the web site is a great idea, and the testaments help me remember him.

I met James when I lived at Queensway for a year during my PhD. I'd throw a disc in the flats' communal garden there, and he watched me and others a couple of times before joining in. I've played disc with a lot of younger players (with thanks to Peter G), but James was amongst the best. He threw a forehand within an hour or so, and then hammers and inside-outs within a week.

And he loved it. He loved playing with the disc, just seeing what it could do. He'd often try to make up new throws, and if he saw a new one, he'd try to learn it that minute. He learned to spin the disc on his fingers way before me (I still can't do it), and then came back with thumbers, scubers, toss-passes. By the time we reached autumn, he was more than ready for the extravagance of the indoor season.

James also showed a lot of people how to play, introducing others to the game and teaching technique and style. Part of this was that his enthusiasm was truly infectious. Who couldn't be inspired by the layouts, the showboating, and the banter? Who didn't have a better tournament because James was there, raising the standard and the laughs in equal measure? He made more than one Ross tournament into a really memorable event. Getting up with the sun, playing in the morning mist, racing about all day, catching Chris's awful blades, then playing long after dark with fluorescent discs. He had huge energy for the game.

But some of the best fun games I ever played were in Cambridge: those golden evenings on Trinity Backs with James, Peter, Chris, Adrian and yourself. One evening after watching James throw a great pass, then run almost the length of the pitch to receive for a score, Peter G said of him: "he's really good, and he's got great Spirit". I couldn't have agreed more.

Many thanks James, for some really great times. I'll see you around.

matt

From Philip Boalch

I left Cambridge almost three years ago but have no trouble recalling many happy memories of playing ultimate with James. I guess we both started playing about the same time (but I quickly got left behind in the exotic throw category, satisfied with being able, occasionally, to out-manoeuvre him in the end-zone!).

Strange Blue felt like a family when James was playing, with Dora as the team mother (in a good sense) and James as the young buck with his boundless energy and massive enthusiasm. Somehow James seemed to bring everyone closer together. The reason we camp at the edge of the pitch at tournaments is, of course, so we can throw the frisbee from dawn until dark! Half an hour throwing before breakfast in the tranquillity of the rising sun is the most beautiful thing. I don't think I'll ever meet anyone with as much love for the game as James had.

I remember one practice on Jesus green when it was a bit damp and so not many people turned up. However James was there and when a thunderstorm started in the middle of the game we didn't really want to stop playing. So we crawled around on the ground (so we wouldn't get struck by lightning right?!) throwing hammers to our team-mates, gradually getting muddier and muddier...

But James was not just fun and games, he had good advice too: Ultimate players are plagued by knee injuries; a solution, James told me, is the following: every time you clean your teeth stand on the outside edge of your feet and tense your leg-muscles. This will strengthen the appropriate muscles and should prevent injury---it certainly leads to amusing teeth-cleaning!

I'm deeply shocked by what has happened. Like everybody else I wish with all my heart that he could of found a way to talk to someone.

So long then James, and thankyou for the memories!
With much affection,
Phil.

P.S. I hope we all retain some of your fantastic spirit!


From Tom Hallam

James was a brilliant kid; he was always so lively and full of enthusiasm and he is already missed. I was lucky enough to know him through frisbee and to bump into him around town on regular occasions.

My fondest memory of him is at a tournament in Southampton a few years ago. On the Sunday the heavens opened, as so often happens at tournies, and it threw it down for hours. Much to the disappointment of everyone the grounds-man decided it was too dangerous to play, and possibly that we might churn up his lovely cricket pitch beyond repair. Within a few hours there were pools of water all over the place, so that even if the rains had stopped we still wouldn't have been able to start play again. I don't recall how it came about, but whilst everyone was sitting in the club house longingly staring out of the window, James started a lay-out session alongside the finals pitch. Frisbees were soon forgotten and it became a diving range through the puddles. I still recall the huge grin on his face, and his loud laugh as he turned, what could have been another rainy Sunday afternoon, into such a memorable day.

The last time I saw him was a few weekends ago in town. I was stood there chatting with some people, he came passed, grabbed me by the balls and greeted me with a big (manly I must add) hug. We spoke, he told me stories of his latest conquests with fine young ladies from whichever private schools and I let him get back to them.

I'm glad to have known him,
Tom.


From David McNeilly

I have just read your post to rec.sport.disc and it has left me in a state of shock. I remember returning to Cambridge at the start of 1996 to complete,submit, and defend my thesis after a year back in Canada. The year that I had been away had seen a number of changes in Cambridge Ultimate, with many new faces coming out to Jesus Green on Saturdays. Prominent among them was James - a brash teenager who promised to turn into a great Ultimate player as well a fine young man. I only recall playing one tournament with James, namely the the Leicester tournament (April, 1996). After defending my PHD on Thursday I was off to play Ultimate with Strange Blue one last time before returning to Canada on the following Monday. During the tournament I was presented with a card signed by all of the Strange Blue players in attendance. In addition James had baked a cake for me and Alice, who had recently celebrated a birthday. It was a parting that I will never forget (I still have the card - it holds a special place among my Ultimate scrap book).

Touched by James' gift I wanted to reciprocate in some manner. James had taken an interest in my baseball cap. The cap was one of the HO Canada caps that were evident at the WUGC 1994. The HO referred to the Calgary Ho Down, one of the premiere coed tournaments in Western Canada. As I was planning to return that fall to the UK.I told James that I would pick up cap at that years Ho Down and present it to him in September. I did end up getting the cap but unfortunately I didn't make it back to the UK that fall (or since). In 1997 I drove to Vancouver to catch Shotgun at WUCC and brought the cap along on the off chance that someone would offer to bring it back to James. On the opening night I bumped into Matt R., who was playing with Catch-22, and he said he would drop it off to James. Hopefully it got to James in the end.

Please pass on my condolences to his family.

Sincerly,

David McNeilly


From Mike Schell

James,

I remember just a few months ago, on a wet spring Sunday on Jesus Green. Our team had just scored, and the guy on our team who caught the disc wanted to pull. But so did you. You head-locked him and grabbed part of the disc. Neither of you would let go, and you became locked in mock combat, frozen together like beetles. I snuck up from behind and grabbed the disc clean away from both of you (I like to pull too). I clutched the disc against my chest and ran. But you chased me down, grappled me, and pulled me to the ground. I remained in control of the disc until you pressed a ticklish spot in my ribs, and the disc dropped free. You got your pull (as usual), but the disc was so tacoed that you shanked it out-of-bounds.

The last time I saw you, less than a month ago, everything seemed normal. I said something like, "Waz up, James, good too see you out here. Everybody comes out of the woodwork when the weather's good in Cambridge. Army treatin' you all right?" You said something like "How's the wife? How do you say her name again? You ready to throw yet?" We exchanged random trash talk; we threw our usual mixture of warm-up silly throws - thumbers, knifers, upside-down backhands - with lots of equally silly behind-the-back catches. We sprinted out the line to start the game. Many hucks and hammers were thrown, and you were at the beginning or the end of most of them. If I could just huck it to you again. I promise that you won't have to lay out to catch it.

Mike


From Micheal Flintoff

The death of James has still not sunk in. When I cycle to Jesus Green, and am visually scanning who has turned up to play, I'll never see him again.
That hurts.
Full of beans and ultra fit, that is how I'll remember him.
My heart goes out to his family.

Micheal Flintoff.

From Rik Henson

Thanks for informing me of James' death - I couldn't quite believe it at first, since he was always so full of life. He had such great banter - always kidding people along - making people laugh between, and sometimes during, points!

I remember one evening when I was back in Cam after a few years away and I found some guys playing ultimate on Parker's Piece. I didn't recognise many of them, but I did recognise a smiling James, who greeted me with the customary insult! It was his taunts that made me drop my bags and join in the game....

I shall miss him, but he certainly lives on in my memories.

Rik

---------------------------8-{)}-------------------------

From Adrian Lane

They say that old ultimate players never die, they just get bad knees and go to the Masters.

James used to tease us all for being old, slow, unfit, and any number of sins. The strange thing was, we loved him for it and his enthusiasm, commitment and spirit drove us all on.

I only remember actually playing with James in one tournament, although I'm sure there must have been others in addition to the countless hours of practices on Jesus Green and the Backs. The picture taken at the end of that tournament is elsewhere in this book. It shows James as I suspect we'll all remember him - on the top of the pile, with a huge grin and no t-shirt, the only one with enough energy to do anything other than lie there at the end of a big weekend

Wherever you are now, James, take care of yourself and remember always, "No fancy sh*t!" We'll miss you.


From Alice Bunn

I felt impelled to add my 2p's worth too: James will be hugely missed, although I still find it hard to believe that James isn't out there somewhere playing the fool, winding people up and yet them ending up liking him for it!

I have one very resounding memory of James: at a tournament in the absolute pouring rain, James and I had managed to find a huge plastic envelope which we were sheltering in while amicably tearing to pieces the performances of the players in front of us. We had the stereo and on came Oasis's 'Roll with it'. This sparked off an improptu roll down the hill, inside envelope over mudslides! I think this sort of sums James up, however much rain there was you could never dampen his spirits! For a cheeky little whipper-snapper he could teach you a lot really, and I'd just like to thank him for that. His ending is very sad, sad that he must have lost that ability to keep his spirits up, he appeared very good at it for a long time.


From Tina Collier

Having only met James once, I clearly did not know him as well as some of you - if at all - but nevertheless, he certainly appeared to me as an exuberant young man, seemingly full of life, who took pride in tossing his younger brother upside down and hurling witty remarks at unsuspecting victims, who could all but laugh!

Always smiling and a good sportsperson - at least in Ultimate - he had the ability to make a complete stranger feel very welcome! Once met, never forgotten.

Tina


From Mike D Jones

Memories of James

I met James in the summer of 1996 when I played with him on Strange Blue. I remember James as a happy, carefree kind of guy who had a lot of game. James seemed both more mature and more talented than his age. For me, the lasting image of James will be James in a bandana with mirror sunglasses on, smiling as he warms up beside the pitch for the next game.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family,

mike from Utah.


From Lucy Moore

I am shocked and saddened to hear of James' death..

I only met James on a few occasions but I shall treasure those memories- I remember playing DDC with him at Alexa's house and , after , him shocking us on Castle Hill with his army tales. I remember his heckling at the co-ed Cambridge tournie and then chilling out with him during the final. I never could believe James was so young and now I can't believe I will not be able to joke with him about his age anymore! Thankyou James , We will miss you and your cheeky smile.

Lucy Moore.


From Kevin Lowe - coach, GB Juniors Ultimate

Hi Dave,

I was so sad to hear the tragic news about James. I know how close people like you and Dora were to James, and cannot start to imagine how you must be feeling.

I've known James for about 6 years, but I never knew him that well with him being only on the fringes of GB juniors (due not to any lack of ability). I last saw James in January when he came along to a GB Juniors session and helped out. Though slightly injured, he hadn't lost any of his ability or enthusiasm, and he did a great job at enthusing and coaching the new juniors we had there.

We were very excited at the prospect of James playing with the juniors in Germany this summer, but always knew this was only a possibility due to his army commitments. Even four weeks ago when Toby saw James, he was still hopeful that he could get time off to play with us.

All the juniors were extremely shocked and upset by the news of James, as were the Ex-GB juniors like Chris, Jo, Christian, etc.

I remember Dora asking me once how they could stop James throwing silly toss passes and thumbers outdoors, and could we tone down his arrogance a bit. I explained that that is what juniors did, and James more so than others. You can't have such talent and enthusiasm for something without a touch of silliness and bravado, and we shouldn't want to change that.

He will be very sadly missed.

Kevin.


Alexander Leenderts

What can I say about James?

He must have been the most enthusiastic, energetic, fun, awesome, full of spirit, exhuberant, lively, passionate and reliable player and, more importantly, friend I have ever known.

He would always pick up your junk throws (of which there were many) with a sly dig and throw diamond passes to you in the end zone. He could huck with the best of them and could probably hit a pole at the end of the pitch with such accuracy it defied belief. He even made it enjoyable when he waggled the disc at you to rub your nose in your own incompetence. He would consistently beat me in the air, on the ground, with speed, layouts and just overall skill. And yet I loved to mark him. No matter how much he beat me, it was still great fun.

One of the tournaments I remember the best was at Nottingham which was particularly wet and muddy. So much so, that one of the pitches was waterlogged and couldn't be used. At the end of the days games on Sunday, it was James who led us sprinting across the field to perform a team layout through the mud, sliding on our bellies for 10 or 20 feet. You can see on our faces in the picture David has posted, how much fun it was. I have that picture framed on my wall at home and it will be good to always have that reminder of James who will certainly be missed. Whenever, I come back to Cambridge, he was always the first person I'd check to see if they'd turned up as I knew I'd be guaranteed a fun game. I will miss him shouting my name across Jesus Green as I arrive and running across for a mid air body check. I'll miss many things about him

Sander


From Graham Fletcher

James,

Reading the fond memories of you that our friends have written about has filled me with confusing feelings of happiness from wonderful shared moments from the past and terrible sadness that you are gone. Reading these thoughts and recollections has made me realise and helped me remember how many good times we shared, from the seemingly trivial sideline banter to the more dramatic events, which you were often the initiator of.

It was great to see you at the Cambridge tournament earlier this summer and hear some of your army exploits. I wish we could have spent more time together and talked more deeply.

Since you left for the army we've only seen you on the occasional Sunday. But it was always great when we cast an eye to the sideline and saw you cycling up, shouting hellos, always happy.

I'll miss you.

Graham.


From Natalie Visser

I can't tell you how upsetting are these news. Back at home I have been trying to recollect things from James like old pictures, a little mug that he gave me for my birthday, little things that have always meant a lot to me. As a foreigner, he always made me feel at home and his smile was ever so refreshing. James was outstandingly athletic, he always seemed to have an incredible ability to learn and pick up skills easily.

In the pitch he liked to work hard and he was very good. For those who remember, I think he came out with 'fancy shit' and described how painful was one of his lay outs with: 'shit, I haven't landed yet!!!' Not surprisingly he was a lot of girls's platonic love, including me, particularly when I first found out he was almost 8 years younger than me!! oh well!!

But beyond his great skills and abilities, James was a very fair and kind person, a quality that reflected the way he treated others (I remember particularly his brother). I will always think of James as a very strong and loving character. Last time I saw him was during the COED tournament in Cambridge this year, and I am so glad I got to see you one more time and recieved such a unique and embracing hug. Very many thanks. I will miss and remember you. Love, Natalie

PS: Dave, please pass my regards particularly to his mom and brother.


From Simon Perrott

James,

whenever I was lined up opposite you I was both pleased and apprehensive. Apprehensive because I knew that with your superior speed, stamina and fitness you could shatter my illusions of being reasonably fit and fast. Pleased because I knew we would have friendly competitive banter and joking.

When leaving one of my first SB practices you yelled 'See you next week?'. This simple phrase made a difference as I had been quite depressed during my first week in Cambridge. I wish I could have done the same for you.

I'll miss you,

Simon


From Stefan Egglestone

I was only lucky enough to play Ultimate with James on Sunday mornings last year, and never got to know him well, but he was on of those rare people who had both a great sense of fun on and off the pitch, and also skill, concentration, speed and a feel for the game whilst playing. Surely what every Ultimate player aspires to. I'll never forget trying to mark him one sunny day, losing where he was for just a second and seeing him 40 metres away in the endzone laying out for a disc. Long may his memory live on.

Stef


From Luke Walden

The thing I remember most fondly about James is his enthusiasm and excitement. At my first Ultimate Frisbee tournament we camped out at the fields somewhere North of London, and I remember James being up early with his campstove cooking up a lot of bacon and offering it around to everyone who came by. He was so excited to be camping out with the team and so pleased with himself for having the foresight and camp skills to get a good hot meal cooked at 8 AM Sunday morning. He played very well tha day, and all day he kept mentioning how the bacon breakfast was really doing him good and keeping up his energy all day. That first tournament was terrific fun and convinced me that this was the game for me. I think a lot of what made it so fun to be with the team that weekend (in the rain of course) was the warm enthusiasm and youthful energy and excitement of James. I believe he was 15 years old. It was October of 1995 and I've been playing Ultimate ever since.

James made another contribution to the team and to my ultimate experience that I still wear at least every other week. In the Spring of 1997, the team was in need of new kit. I was somehow responsible for this project and when James mentioned a good idea for a T-shirt during a team practice, I commissioned him to draw up a design. When he gave me some drawings and I sent him back some suggestions for improvements, he impressed me by replying that he knew he could make it better and that he would keep on working. Sure enough, the next week he handed me several different versions of a design that would eventually become my favorite T-shirt. He drew a big "SB" in the style of the "S" on Superman's chest for the front. For the back he wrote "Strange Blue" in a very convincing rendition of the "Superman" typeface and the added "Cambridge Ultimate" in a simple yet elegant typeface of his own invention. The royal blue shirts with red and gold graphics were an instant hit with the team and with every team we played that season. We believed that even if we weren't the best team at a tournament, we were certainly the best looking! My favorite picture of the team shows us all ripping open our coats (another rainy tournament, this time in Leicester) to reveal our Superhero identities in the form of James' fantastic shirt design. One of our smaller members is held aloft over our heads, arms outstretched like our patron hero.

I have thought recently of retiring that t-shirt to my nostalgia collection, but now I know that I can't. Another Autumn Ultimate season is gearing up in America and I will need every bit of inspiration I can get while I am trying out for a competetive team in New York. James' shirt will always help me remember to be enthusiastic and energetic and have as much fun as I can while playing hard and trying to fly like Superman. I thank him for that. His playfull good spirit will remain with me.

My best wishes to James' family and friends in this extremely sad time.

Sincerely, Luke Walden


From Paul Hacking

james and me played exactly the same..running your marker into the ground, throwing all the big throws, laying out big, just playing dont give a fuck style its so much fun, tho we both got in trouble for it , me more than him cos my throws are more ropey.. he was actually the kid who taught me to throw a forehand .. he was like 'just zing it yeah?' - huge beautiful wind up then silky smooth release he was a genius.. I just wasn't close. my best memory of james is nationals 99, in leicester, saturday night we all went back to alexa's and played this drinking game of francis, we had tequila and eggcups instead of shot glasses, james was like 'uh how much do I put in?' and I said 'yeah just fill it up' - we were all crowded round this big oak table drinking and laughing til about 3 in the morning. then the next day we had to get up early and drive back to leicester.. I had to shake james for about half an hour before he moved a muscle.. we had some great games that day, specially cos the ground was wet so we were laying out all over the place. well just wanted to say that james you were the life and soul mate , and we are going to keep your memory alive by playing devilmaycare rudeboy ultimate till the end.

love and peace to james and his family - paul


From David Ginger and Van Huynh

We are deeply saddened by James' tragedy. We only knew him on the Ultimate pitch, but his was such a personality that we will always carry his memories and his spirit with us. Memories of his boundless energy, his ready smile, his playful jesting from the sideline, and most especially the way he always brought out the best in his teammates. I loved playing with him for that reason (although I hated how fast he ran when he was on the opposing team). Our favorite memory is when he playfully insisted he didn't remember who Van was: she had been a bit of a beginner when he left for the Army, and one weekend when he returned she had a particularly good game -- he swore that she couldn't be the same person he'd played with before because she had improved so much. Seemingly small words, but delivered with a lasting impact. We will remember James.

David and Van


From Federico San Martini

james, it has been years since i saw you, and now i find out that you had to go. my strange blue t-shirt always had a special place in my heart, and now i will wear it with both a sense of joy and sadness. probably my best memory of being in cambridge was playing with you and all the other folks in strange. not probably, definitely. and you were a big part of that. i just re-read some tournament reports and it is bringing back a flood of memories. i remember your kindness and easy smile. and who can forget the expert heckling? you will be missed.

love, ico

david -- normally i would say it is lovely to hear from you and strange blue, not this time. please give his family my condolescences.


From Steve Balls

It was always great to turn up on a Sunday morning pratice and see James back for the weekend - I still can't believe it won't happen again. Always full of energy, he seemed to make the game more enjoyable to play.

Nothing epitimises this more than at Nationals last year when during an opposition time out James initiated a mac line to "keep it happy". Sideline heckles were a trademark, and he took it as well as he dealt it. He even punished himself with press-ups there and then after a bad pass - but then managed to spring up and catch up on D.

Wishing he could be back for this years nationals

steve


From Dora Kemp

I find it hard to express just how saddened I am by the loss of James. To me he was like a cheeky younger brother, with his teasing and unswerving ability to make me laugh. His high jinks on the pitch were a joy to watch.

I first met him when he was about 15 and already a fantastic Ultimate player with a vibrant personality on and off the pitch. He soon christened me 'team mom' and teased me about my age in his own affectionate way. He would always tell me stories about his girlfriends and life plans and we all watched him mature over the years. But in my eyes he always remained our 'Little James' even after his thighs started to expand to the size of tree trunks after he joined the army.

I remember his keenness to play for Strange Blue at tournaments. He was so eager that, when he was still in basic training and the only way to get weekend leave was to be invited to a wedding or a funeral, he urged Graham and I to make a fake wedding invitation to send to him on the weekend of a tournament so that he could join us there. I regret that we never did so.

James had his sensitive side too. He was a fantastic designer and loved to draw. He made me a birthday card, designed our team strip, and was eager to expand his graphic design skills. That seemed to be put on hold when he joined the army but he always seemed happy in his choice regaling us with army stories when he came home on leave.

My best recent memory of him was from the Cambridge Coed tournament this year when he put us through his morale-raising exercises, running on the spot and yelling as loud as we could. Brilliant.

James was such a caring person, when I was unhappy he would know it and come and put his arm about me and cheer me up. How I wish I could have done the same for him when he needed it.

We will all miss you so much.

Dora Kemp (aka Team mom)


From Chris Mosier

====== Stories of James

James was one of the first people I remember meeting when I starting playing with Strange Blue in the fall of 1996. I was looking lost on a side street somewhere between Jesus College and downtown when I recognized the blue bandana-ed fellow on a bike headed towards me (His picture, the black and White of him landing with the disc, was featured in the University's Student Activities Handbook). He told me to follow him and he lead me to the pitch. He had a gift at bringing people together. As brash as his talk may be on the field, he could talk to anyone and get them to share stories no matter how shy they might be. He was a good teacher of the game and a tremendous player with great spirit.

His energy was infectious. I remember him egging on the tired players during practice, trading strategy with Matt R. or Chris, poking fun at Graham after Graham had just laid out and missed the disc and always cracking a smile. It felt like he enjoyed every minute we played out there.

I hope this story is suitable for the recollections, I always smile thinking about it. While changing shoes getting ready for practice on the Jesus Green one day, James relayed to me this story:

He had been dating this girl for a while. It was her birthday and they went out along with some of her friends. There was gift opening and card reading, as she read one of the cards it opened with something to the effect of, "On your 20th birthday..." and James interrupted her and said "Hold on then, You're turning 20? I thought you were 18." It should be noted that James had just turned 16 himself. "Yes, Its my 20th birthday. How old are you?," she asked. James was caught off guard and answered, "Sixteen". "I thought you were 18," she said. An awkward moment of silence followed, and then James replied, "Well age doesn't really matter then, does it?"

Chris Mosier


From Leigh Simmons

man, this is so hard to rationalise - just think of all the people who have been touched in some way by his life, it may have seemed insignificant at the time but every thought or smile provoked seem so important now.

my overiding memory is of jogging from maccy d's in leicester back up to the pitches for sundays first game. we shared the opinion that a bacon and egg mcmuffin was more important than the first 15 minutes. i'd first spoken to him the day before. he'd had a bit of niggle with another young bundle of fury from the other team. it really annoyed me. i dismissed him as just someone i'd never get on with. within 3 or 4 hours we were sitting in a pub together, warming up for our last game and talking nonsense. and by sunday morning, there we were, jogging up late, trying to put on socks and boots on the hoof, laughing and shouting. we were mates.

leigh


From Toby Holt

I don't really have any specific memory of James. I do remember that when I first started going to GB Juniors practices that I didn't really have the confidence to believe that I could. This made me think that I could get in the team and it gave me a lot of confidence when he kept encouraging me. I also remember that he taught me so much about Ultimate. He was also such a fun person and he never said one horrible thing to me. I will miss him a lot.

Toby


From Alfred Darnell

I will always remember James as the cool dude in the shades, as the lad with the quickest smile, and as the wry critic standing on the sideline with his arms folded and hip slightly cocked with a playful glint in his eye as the play unfold. Then once on the pitch, his boundless energy and incredible spirit were unsurpassed...that up beat energy was so remarkable. That he "gave up" on life is so contrary to every recollection...and it saddens me deeply, for James, his family, his friends, and all the people who won't know him as Strange Blue knew him.

My deepest sympathies to his family and his friends.

Al


From Roger Thomson

Best wishes to James' family and all SB players old and new who have been affected by this tragedy. I can hardly believe that anyone belonging to the happy family that is Ultimate can have felt so bad that they felt obliged to take such a course of action.

Regards,

Roger


From Miles Hember

Some things make so little sense that thinking about them just produces a suffocating sense of confusion and disorientation. This is one of those. What good asking questions when you know there are no good answers? SB won't be able to play with our usual gladness for quite a while, I fear.

I think John Schoch put it very well; we'll have to try to maintain the spirit that James showed, and that will be how we remember him.

I don't know what else to say.

Miles

From Patch Winser

I am very sorry to hear about James. As you know I have known James for a number of years through my activities with the Junior squad.

When he was younger I knew that he was not always the happiest of boys but the last time i saw him he seemed to be content within in himself at last.

To my knowledge I do not have any photos of James while he was with the Juniors. It is with a lot of sadness that i would like you to convey my sympathies and condolences to his parents. I will not be able to attend his funeral as I am in France on holiday at this time.

Yours sincerely

Patch Winser


From Ken and Maria Friis Larsen

James was always a very happy and pleasant person to be with. We always enjoyed to be in his company and looked forward to the next practice with him. We especially enjoyed his great patience with us, two foreign beginners, when we fumbled around with the disc.

--Maria and Ken


From Peter Grossenbacher

James and I played ultimate together for Strange Blue in the mid 1990s, and we had such a great time doing it our ebullient spirit infected most of the teams we played against. During those years, our team won the Spirit award at several tournaments thanks to the friendliness that James steeped in and contributed to. We had a blast, again and again.

It was never really about winning by scoring more points than our opponents. It was about playing hard, coming to anticipate the play as it unfolded on the field, and enjoying life.

Those of us fortunate to have played sport with James got to know his qualities of creative energy and liveliness. He was always ready for more fun, and there was enough to go around for all to enjoy.

Thank you so much, James, for having played with us. You have touched many lives, and now we experience the heart of loving sadness at your passing from this life.

Peter Grossenbacher


From Teri Tucker

dear James,

It is August 16th and I just got the news today, actually this morning. It is now 10:19pm EST in the states and I am only now getting the courage to write these words. So many confusing thoughts and emotions are struggling and what surfaces seems so ordinary when you were so extraordinary. My thoughts are clouded with why's, how's and whatifs.

I spent the greater part of the day looking over my "Cambridge scrapbook", some wonderful memories came flooding back. I spent the winter/spring of 1997 with Strange Blue and it was magical for me. Magic people with magic charms and chants--I still remember the cheers we sang, the drills and practices, the double-disc games on the lawn, the train rides to tournaments and I remember you-James. I remember your natural grace and athletism. (You used to defy gravity with your bike.) I remember the easy way you smiled and laughed. As I recall, you were busy that spring with exams--trying to fit ultimate and studying into your busy schedule. I remember teasing you about not showing up for practice and you would flash your smile and explain how you wanted to do well on your exams because you were going to be a graphic artist. You had so many plans, so many ideas.

I remember thinking that you were going to be a leader in ultimate and in life. You were already an amazing athlete on the field, with layouts in rain, mud, sleet and snow. You had a natural charm and grace and could pick up the mood/team with a word of cheer or confidence. You had true charisma, James, and that is rare.

James, I still wear my Strange Blue T-shirt. It is the only ultimate shirt that I have not cut the sleeves off. I wear it proudly and at least once a season someone will question me about it and I get to extol the virtues of Strange Blue. One time at a tournament, here in the states,(I think it was Poultry Days) I saw another person wearing the same T-shirt. I sprinted across many fields, with little regard for orange cones--I kept my eye on that blue shirt. I finally caught up with him-I didn't know him as we were Strange Blue at different times, but it was wonderful to reminiscence about the people we did know--about the magic of Strange Blue.

Dear james, I was shocked when I read that you had left us. I never would have dreamed you would say good bye this way. It is my birthday tomorrow, the day of your funeral. --ANd what is ringing in my ears are the words of Nietzsche:"It is true, we love life not because we are used to living but because we are used to loving." I wish peace for you James, and I wish mercy for the rest of us.

teri


From Michel Fougeres

I remember going to the top of that little hill on the other side of the river from Jesus Green to watch the sunset and have some beers with him and few other guys from the team and listening to him tell stories about the army, and how he said he learned drinking alcohol after working out is stupid because it shreds up your muscle tissue- as he put the beer to his lips and we all joined in with a drink and laugh.

James to me was unabashed youth. As much as it's a cliche, to me the kid always shone through.

I am happy I got to see him when I was in the UK this summer for a couple weeks. I will never forget, he thanked me for a book on whales I gave him a year ago when I left the UK.. I sort of did a double-take, stuttered and said don't mention it because I felt happy and surprised and psyched all at once that he made a point to tell me this.

I remember when I gave him the book, at a party we had last year when I was leaving the UK, that he had a really good time playing all the silly drinking games, especially Pacho's game at the end when we had everyone, like 12 of us or something, around a big table, I still remember where he was sitting, and one point he asked me to sign a bottle for him and again he made me feel all these feelings at once, I felt like an older brother to him and sort of honored that he asked me to do something like that and happy and unexpectedly close to him, though we were never really that close I was happy to be friends with him and now today I know that if we'd had more time together playin ultimate and hangin out and being silly we would have been a lot closer.

I will miss him.

Michel


From Arfon Jones

Just got back to the UK today, 22/8/00, and am devastated to hear of James' passing away, and deeply sorry to have missed the send-off that sounded both moving and very appropriate.

Having played Ultimate in Cambridge for the past 7 years. Given that I'm older and too often injured, I've often found greater pleasure in trying to pass on some of my experiences and so called 'top-tips' to a variety of enthusiastic beginners. I can wholeheartedly say that I have never been more proud and gained more satisfaction from teaching Ultimate that being a part of the rapid transition of James from a enthusiastic beginner to an excellent GB Junior and club player.

From day one, James immediately integrated into our practices and got on well with everyone. It was only on odd occasions when we decided to go to the pub or when the language got a bit 'strong' that we remembered that he was only 13/14. I distinctly remember his typical enthusiasm one Sunday when he explained how excellent that week was going to be. It was half-term which meant that he could attend our mid-week indoor practice which was 9pm on Kings Hedges Road ; the following day wasn't going to be a school day. Needless to say he ran round with so much energy, that anyone playing opposite him started wishing it was a school night.

From the onset he and I had an open and frank exchange of ideas and comments. Too frank for most James would agree with a laugh, but we always thought they were well balanced and fair. From there developed a great mutual respect and a well founded comradeship both on and off the pitch, which was still as strong as ever when we last played a few months ago.

There is always far too much 'advice' freely available in Ultimate. But James was the only one I have ever come across that was hungry enough to devour it all. He'd take it in mix it with his unique eagerness and determination to improve and transform it into a James skill. After few years absence from Ultimate, I laughed with great satisfaction and made a few teasing remarks on returning to Strange Blue practices and hearing that unmistakable voice bellowing some damn good advice to his fellow team mates.

Yes, he was a great player on the pitch, but I liked him even more for his sideline or off-pitch qualities. He had an irrepressible ability to brighten up any event. His raw and fresh humour was so infectious that it would never fail to entertain us. But with that brashness and those well meaning torments, he was deeply sincere and caring. He always greeted me warmly and openly, we shook hands solidly, caught up on the latest news and he always asked after my back injuries even years after most people had forgotten that I'd had that operation.

Of course there was always the teasing, and more often than not it was about being old or that I was always late for practice. Well, James, my lad, as you'd have predicted I was late yet again ... sorry I missed the party. But rest assured that you will still live-on as young, energetic and athletic as ever whilst this old(ish) person cherishes those great times that we shared together.

My thoughts go with James' family...

Arfon


From Hayley AvRuskin

I remember James' early years with us; in fact, I remember his first day on the backs. James learned everything so quickly. I remember his quiet confidence and his ability to join a group of adults with such poise and skill. I remember thinking 'James is too fast to mark', and then sure enough he would be faking and cutting to open space like it was the most natural thing in the world to do. I admired him for his dedication and his courage. At 13, to come out and play with a group of near strangers took courage. James' death is such a shock.


From Jason Mattingley

I never really knew James, but I will always remember him. When I look back at our team photo from 1994, he's sitting right in the centre with a huge grin on his face. Typical.

I was an occasional member of Strange Blue during my time as a post-doc in Cambridge (1994 -1997). James was only 13 years old when I joined, and I remember being amazed that he fitted right in with us grown-ups. In fact I envied him. Everyone talked to James like he was an old friend.

I was new to Ultimate, and never really developed an aptitude for it. I remember attending the Nationals in 1994 as a member of Strange Blue. I suspect my inclusion in the side was more a gesture of sympathy than a genuine desire to have me on the team. I remember it was incredibly cold and windy that day, and I couldn't feel my fingertips. I dropped every pass that came my way. I missed the easiest of interceptions. My incompetence made be feel very conspicuous. James was a star.

Right at the end of the final game of the tournament, and with the scores level, I found myself with the frisbee. It seemed like every player on the field was in the endzone - us trying to score and them defending. I waited an eternity for someone to pass to. Eventually I just tossed the disk toward a pack of players. It wobbled widly in the wind, before diving sharply at the ground. A skinny arm flicked out of nowhere and made the catch. It was James. I don't know whether he saw the frisbee or just divined its presence. Either way, he scored the winning point. I was so elated I ran over and gave him an enormous hug. It felt like a natural thing to do - he was just a boy after all.

Jason Mattingley.


From Daniel Galindo

Dear Dave:

I was sitting in front of my PC after finishing all my duties when I decided to have a look at the Strange Blue web site. I was wondering how the team was doing, catch up with the latest news and have a look at some pictures just to remember the good days I was playing disc with you guys in Jesus Green. However, this time I had to come across the sad news. Although it's been months since it happened, I believe is better saying it late than never at all.

Coming from a country where you would rarely see a disc, when I arrived with Francis in England in mid 1996 I was totally impressed by the competitiveness with which Ultimate (a game totally unknown to me) was played. I remember watching Chris, Greg, Jim, Matt, and Graham amongst many, throwing forehands, backhands, hammers and many other fancy throws. It was awesome.

Despite all this, James was special. I thought they where making fun of me when they told me he was only 16. I think we all have wanted to have his physique and skills at that age. The last time I saw him was almost 4 years ago, but I bet he was beating the crap out of everyone out in the field by the time he died. Not only he was a gifted player but he also encouraged other people to bring out the best in them and he sure did on me. I remember when he used to turn around and start shouting cause we were playing shit defence or when turned around and stuffed the disc in your face after laying out for the disc and scoring.

I've always wished coming back to Cambridge in a summer's day for a pick up game. Is sad to know he is not going to be there anymore. I guess we will see each other some day with our SB shirts on. James, thanks for your friendship, we will miss you and rest in peace.

Daniel Galindo galindodaniel@yahoo.com


From JD (Jonathan Middis)

I was shocked to read about James. Reading some of the letters made me smile and took me back. He was a sponge for knowledge and skills whenever we played and loved nothing more than getting one over the old heads. He epitomised a lot of what's great about Ultimate.

jd


From Ken Matson

I first met James the first summer of 1994. He was maybe 13 or 14 years old and I was struck at how comfortable he felt among people twice his age, playing a game that had clearly captured his imagination. It was obvious to everyone that he was unusual, that he loved to play ultimate, and that he was quickly going to better than us old fogeys. All of us at SB enjoyed James enthusiasm and youthful brashness both on and off the pitch. With all the trash talk, and playful taunting, he did have a caring heart, and genuinely felt the bond with his Ultimate friends that is a hallmark of the game. I remember I gave him a hat of mine that he repeatedly admired, not expecting anything in return. The next day, James gave me a necklace that he had made for me in exchange for the hat. A small thing, but I will always remember him for that touching gesture. 
 
I played again with James the next summer and he continued to progress and make the ultimate field a fun place to be with his skill, enthusiasm, and positive outlook. For those of us who knew him in his early days of SB, it was indeed gratifying to see him go on to higher levels of competition. I am deeply sorry that he is gone, but glad that I had the privilege of knowing him and having shared in a game that we love.
 
Ken

From Chris Palmer

I got to know James mainly when i was home from uni in the summers and holidays from 94 to 96, I was Ultimate mad and would always go down to practises provided i was'nt injured (about half the time). He was always there, and it was comical to hear his school stories. As many others have said, James was a comedian, he was often cracking jokes or taking the piss, often out of me, although i like to think i gave him better than i got. He also had very good skills and playing with/or against him was always excellent fun because he was always trying to have the best time by doing absurd things with a disc. James was friends with everybody and i remember when a really good american dude with a beard (i can't remember his name) who played with us for a summmer or so was leaving town; he'd really improved james game and he gave james his cap that he always wore as a leaving gift, I know this meant a lot to james. I swapped cambridge for edinburgh in 96 and didn't see james again till last year, at one of the tours, i almost didn't recognize him as he'd grown so much, his face was much leaner than i remembered. We chatted for a time, it was good to see him again after those few years, he still seemed to have the same sparkle and charisma i remembered from before. It upsets me deeply that i won't see him again.

Some reports of tournaments where James played for Strange Blue


Alice and the Caterpillar ::: 29th June 96 ::: Oxford :::

--- A tournament report by David M, David L and Luke ---

On Saturday, we had a Team of 15: Jim, Tom, James, Mike F., Mike from Utah, Ian, David M., David L., Graham, Natalie, Luke, Phil, Ken, Andy from Bedford, Al.
On Sunday, we lost Phil (for the 1st game), and David L., Ken and Mike.
We were seeded at 5th at the top of pool B. Our first game was against
=== Toxic === (Kent University @ Canterbury)
We won 14-0, and gradually began to work together well as a team.


Our second game was against
=== Calamary Celts ===
There was a strong wind and we traded points to 4-3 or so, in an even game; then scored the crucial upwind point and scored again to get a lead of 3. We won 9-4. High points - Ds by Tom and Jim and David.

=== Spanish Inquisition (a mostly Dutch team) ===
We scored first upwind point and proceeded to go up 8-0 in spite of strong wind then they came back quite strong and fast and we had to work hard to win 13-7. Their postgame call was a stirring anthem in praise of Domo Vla, a species of custard.
Sitting in the chilly summer breeze after a delightful romp with the Spanish Inquisition (who, fittingly, were mostly from the Netherlands), one thought comes to mind: David MacKay's manic D and Jimmer's big hucks. No, two thoughts come to mind: David MacKay' manic D, Jimmer's big hucks and Mike Flintoff's fakes...Sitting in the chilly summer breeze after a delightful rompy frolic with the Spanish Inquisition, three thoughts come leaping to mind: David MacKay's manic D, the immense hucks of Jimmer, the cheeky fakes of Michael Flintoff and James' dislocated hip. Sitting, freezingly on the chilly summer breeze torn grass, scant minutes after an intensely frolicsome rompette with the Inquisition of Spain, four flashes of thought dribble across my mind: the maniacal D of David MacKay, the monstrous hucks of Jimmer, the coquettish fakes of Michael Flintoff, the tragically hip dislocating fall of James and the skin tight marking of Natalie Visser (and her new muscles). Sitting in the arctic blast of the snowy wasteland hurricane...oh bollocks, it's the next game...

This win put us into a crossover game to play against the sharks to get into the top four. We came out a bit less intense than the occasion warranted and went two down at the start, then played a really close game coming back to 5-5. Jim wins the honors for best Strange Blue layout with an offensive screaming dive along the line. In the end it was capped when we were at 7-5 (down) and then we ended up losing 9-6. We were still playing well together but tiredness was showing in our D and we were still laboring under a strange, game-long inabilty to connect in the end-zone. Thus endeth our run of wins against Oxford.

Party: Aunt Sally competition won by High Pie with Strange Blue, Toxic and GB masters second.

Sunday - at our seeding, fifth, we're in plate position (the top four - GB masters, Catch 22.1, VH and Sharks - are having a cuddly little knockout by themselves).

Our first game was against Albatross at the ungodly hour of 9am. We won 13-2.

Our second game, in a strong wind, was against sneeeky's and we started by going ahead 2 (breaking their zone), then losing the lead, then going ahead 2 again, etc. etc. When the hooter went we were down 10-7. We pulled back two but then ended up losing 12-9. Phil scored numerous points in the endzone.

Disappointed not to be in the plate final, our final was against spanish inquisition again. We went up 8-1 then the feared comeback didn't materialize and we won 13-2.
Summary from Graham:
... we had some close, hard and fun games, particularly against the Sharks, Sneeekies and the Spanish Inquisition (a pick up team from Holland). We were outplayed by Sharks late on Saturday for a place in the final four but could have beaten Sneeekies on Sunday to get into the plate final. We ended up seventh, behind the Masters, Violently Happy, Catch-22, Sharks, Sneeekies and the Blues Arsed Flies (who were looking forward to playing us after our classic game against them in the plate final at Nottingham), in that order.

Spirit: Spanish Inqusition and High Pie.
And a final contribution from the man of the match:

James Metcalfe is my name and playing Ultimate is my game.
The next best thing to sex is a layout D in 
the last minute of extra time on the most 
important point, when the score is evens.



Lurkers 3rd August 1996

Tournie report by Dora, David
Team
Al, Greg, James, Natalie, Dora, Graham, Alice, David, Mike from Utah (Saturday), Marie-Christine, Phil, Duncan (for the shotgun game), Ian, Ginny (for the catch game), Adrian, Richard (Sunday)
Saturday:
shotgun      - lost 13-4
sfa          - won   9-2
distant csns - won   9-4
catch 22     - lost 12-7
Highlights
Natalie was seen naked in the shower by a guy who allegedly mistook it for the gents.
Fantastic game against Catch 22. Down 10 to 2 we came storming back to a close 12 to 7 finish.
Ian's stunning catches on the line. And David's as well. One foot inside the pitch then boom, flat on the ground. Blood everywhere. [no blood shed by David. Ed.]
Shot gun, high and pissed at 9:30 in the morning and still beating us soundly. BUT ... we got FOUR points. As far as I know this is our best result against this team so far.
Dora Kemp

Sunday

First game: beat 'Free Country' 9-1. Their call was "No fancy shit, James". I wonder why?
Owing to poor planning we were then due to play Cousins again (whom we played yesterday) while Playthings were due to play Superfly (whom they played yesterday) for the other place in the plate final; Bud suggested a switch-around and we agreed. We played Playthings and won 11-5. Meanwhile Cousins beat Superfly, so we ended up playing them again for the plate. We won 13-7 in a great game with only one discussion. (They came back from 10-2 down).
So, we comfortably won all of our games except Catch and Gun. We won the plate (9th place). Could we have come higher?
Well done, team!
[ Shotgun beat U.T.I. Superfly won spirit. ]

southampton 21-22 June 1997 (Tour 4)

The SB team: Luke, Graham, Ico, Craig, Ian, Sander, David, Dora, Tom Hallam, Phil, James, Dan. Al (Sunday).
floating bloke 17-8
strong wind. we played very well and scored a large no of upwind pts.
village people
we went up 8-0, and took the half 9-1. Then they took 9 points in a row, making use of a back-to-front Zone D, coming back from 10-1 to 10-10. The game was capped at 14 and the last points were huge epic points. Neither team made the score upwind though, so we won 14-13. The most remarkable game ever played by SB, some said.
headrush
if we beat them, then our group would be cleanly ordered us, vp, headrush, f.bloke... but we lost 13-9 in a huge intense game. and on point difference this leaves us third in the pool, with vp top and headrush second.
So for the first time this year we are going to come 13th or lower.
Sunday: 13th-20th knockout
blue arse flies beat us 13-7.
we were beating mythago about 10-3 when heavy rain stopped play.
Soton97 Director of Competitions writes:
- in the "panic" there was no spirit vote. But my vote goes to Strange Blue, who late on Saturday evening accepted several people's word for it that the score between Village People and Headrush had in fact been 14-7 and NOT 14-6 as recorded (and signed for) on the score sheet. The results in the group meant that with the score at 14-7, Village and Headrush went up, with Village carrying fwd a win against Headrush; whilst had the score been 14-6 SB would have gone through, carrying fwd their win against Village. With GunII absent, the repurcusions of this decision could be as far reaching as being the difference between qualifying in the top 8 at Nationals, and not. Massive respect to SB for their legendary spirit.

The Superfly Weekend.

To Strange Blue,
For all those who couldn't make it the newest incarnation of a Strange Blue team comprising of myself, Sander, James, Phil, Luke, Mindy, Dora, Natalie, Sven, Rick, Tetch, Richard and Alice were up in Nottingham this weekend and had an excellent time. It broke down like this:
Results.
We got off to a great start on Saturday morning with an 11/10 win against Village People, who we eventually gave our spirit vote. In the afternoon we played Purple Haze (the new Loughborough team, they used to be Smurfs) and then Superfly straight after and we lost narrowly to both. On Sunday we started at the hangover friendly time of 11am against Go Fish, who eventually came second, and won another close one, this time 8/6. Next up were Violently Happy who we played well against and we gave them a fair game, with us have plenty of possession (and I don't just mean thay scored quickly), handling the disc well and deserving more than the one point we took off them. We finished with a storming 8/6 victory against the Blue Arsed Flies in tense, great spirited game. Rather satisfyingly if I remember correctly it was BAF who beat us indoors at Leicester and prompted the formation of SB1.
Party.
Rick, Alice, Sander, Dora and Mindy showed an impressive amount of style and stamina on the dance floor and I was there with the stamina. Luke and Natalie though just provided sheer class. If there had been a prize it would have been ours. Big thanks to Alice who by winning a 3 pint challenge allowed us to start at 11 not 10am on Sunday.
Mud Monsters.
The whole team. Photographic evidence will be presented this evening but ask anyone.
Fat.
It's Matt. It doesn't matter who he was playing for. Sadly the Indian place we went to didn't have Table Nans. If they had I believe a tradition would have been established.
Calls.
We used David Lovell's "When I'm 64" adaption, which was practised on Friday at the pasta session and went very smoothly. Luke and Mindy also came up with a twister variation which we threw in for a couple of teams.
Recipe.
Wander the streets of Nottingham more than slightly drunk at around 1am untill you find a restaurant willing to sell you 3/4 of a bottle of porr quality Brandy. Return to your host's (the marvellous Sam and Neil from Superfly) house and gently fry suitable fruit - bananas and peaches are ideal, for around five minutes. After the fruit has softened add excess brandy and light. Allow to cook for another minute or so before trying to blow out and when you finally manage this, serve.
Overall,
We had a great weekend and eventually came fifth out of the 9 teams present and won the plate. On Sunday there was a moderate wind that we coped well with. VH threw zone d on us on Sunday and we dealt with it fine (thanks to everyone there last Tuesday for sacrificing playing time to let us sort that out). By Sunday the endzone play was working brilliantly and you only had to yell "arrow" and people would set for it fast and the longs would make hard cuts. I think before leicester we should get a couple more sorted out and we should practise the sandwich D. The most noticeable change over the weekend though was in people learning to play their positions like they should be played with longs and middles making well timed cuts and people usually being there for a dump when required. Thanks and well played everyone.
Roll on Leicester....

Strange Blue at Trent Park 25 May 1996

-- From our own correspondents - Luke and David --
Our pool:
UTI Catch 22 Lurkers First Touch (London Business School) SB Chaos
The pinnacle of Saturday was our game against Lurkers. In the first half, we were matching their playing but somehow never converting our play into points. Meanwhile Lurkers kept on driving it down the line to score, and they developed a lead of 8-2. Then we intensified the D, tightened up on O changed it round and got them worried, coming back with huge enthusiasm to 11-9 down. We finally lost 12-9. Lurkers went on to beat Catch and came 2nd in our group.
Other outcomes were as expected -- we lost to Catch in our first wake-up game (hopefully we might meet them again and get a different result) and then we lost to UTI. We beat Chaos, who were valiantly playing as a joint team with "Pickup" and therefore played a game every hour -- ten games in one day!? We played a final walking point for the benefit of the injured masses pining for a game. It was like slow motion underwater ultimate, complete with layout Ds.
Our final game was against First Touch - we expected as usual to prove that we had been seeded too low in our pool - initially though we didn't manage to sparkle, trading points. Then we got it together, tried Zone D for a point, and ended up winning something like 11-6.
Highlights of the day:
  • Greg's numerous layout Ds.
  • Dave Mac's string of crucial D's against Lurkers (Luke wrote that).
  • James' first real layout D against Lurkers.
  • Ian's layout Ds in the walking point with Chaos.
  • Three tense (but good spirited) woz-he-in-or-woz-he-out discussions in the Lurkers game, all depending on millimetre measurement or millisecond timing -- in their end zone.
  • Hours and hours of sun, contrary to the forecast.
  • One or two fine renditions of "If I never score".
  • Ginny and Frans playing with us in the Touch game.
  • First Tournament for Mike Jones, Frans,Brandon, Theo (Luke's friend from London), and BArry, all of whom ran hard and played well including scoring points!
  • Chinese dinner with a violently happy sprinting tea pouring door kicking manager.
  • Sammy Neilson's ID-card'n'Herpes-passing game, post beer races. (Ask Natalie for a demonstration)
All in all Saturday was loads of fun, the weather was fantastic, spirit was good, and we began to gel. All the tents and all the frisbees in the air made Trent Park a jolly scene.
On Sunday, our first game was against Sharks, who were down to ironman six and played valiantly. We played well and won 13-3. It'll be good to play them again when they have some subs! Our next game was against Mohawks and was really tough - a strong wind making this a close and hard working and difficult game. We went down a point or two at the start but managed to pull back in ferocious long points, winning eventually by about 9-7. Hard D was the key. This win put us in the plate final! -And there, as half-expected, we met Catch 22 again for a rematch. They had gained one handler and we had lost a number of players to injury and premature departure. But we played a greatly improved game, and started out by trading points. But Catch zoned us and pulled away by a large margin. We came back by a couple of points at the end, but were too tired to reproduce Saturday's comeback. So we lost the plate and finished 10th out of 23 or 24 teams.
And we won Spirit!
It was a great tournament for Spirit - we had trouble choosing whom to vote for, there were so many great teams we'd played with.
Other news as far as I can recollect it: there was one American team at the tournament, "Nice shirts". They played a great game and beat everyone they met - except Shotgun in the final. UTI came 3rd and GB Masters plus Duncan came 4th. Lurkers and Monks were at 5 and 6 and Village People and Skunks were at 7 and 8 though I don't recall the order.

Nationals, Leicester 1999

by Steve

Time for a quick write up of the nationals, although lots of you were there so you'll know what happened anyway....

Saturday morning arrived at Leicester to face Mohawk Mncwi (?) Magic at 9.30. They played out their skin, and we played well below what we knew we were capable of - a bit of a wake up call all in eventually losing about 17-14. Next up Headrush, the team seeded ahead of us in the pool, but we now had to win in order to get into the top 12 (last years ranking). They were undernumbered and we had 15 players and so we ran them around creating lots of space for us. It was a tight game, but we never lost the lead - they pushed us right to the final point - 16 all game to 17. Mr "keep it simple" MacKay came on - we worked it to the endzone, and David throws a hammer to Francis in lots of space for the game!

Now each team in our pool had one win and one game left - whoever wins claims a top 12 spot. We faced Sharks jsut as the rain started to fall. To begin with we rocked, taking the half with ease and at one time being 10-1 up (yes that's ten - one). Then it all went a bit pete as they mounted the comeback of all comebacks to scare us witless as it became 12-10. We clung on as we began to play again to take it by a couple in the cap.

That left us top of our pool and facing first touch on Sunday morning for a top 10 spot. Not entirely sure what happened here, but we just played bad and they practically cruised home for a 17-9 win leaving us to face Night Fever for the 11-12 playoff.

Compared to the (slightly predicatable but entertaining) final between UTI and Chevy, our final game had the lot. Points trading with the maximum lead at any time being just 3. We played the best ultimate (both D and O) I've seen, and so did they. Special mentions to our "end-zone god" John S who must have had a teleporter or something to continually find acres of free area and the new kid Toby. Despite having "Speedy Dad" layout practically over the top of him for a big D, he carried on and got a huge D back just a bit later. Probably the best game of ultimate I've been involved in despite eventually ending 17-15 against.

So, our final ranking is 12th in the country - nothing like being consistent eh? (even if we did get beaten by those ranked 16th, and beat those ranked 10th!)

see you soon

Steve


From James's mum, Trish

Dear Dave

I know I have spoken to you on a few occasions to let you know how much I appreciate all you have done for us and the remembrance book. But I have wanted to write and let you all know how much it means to me.

You have all so eloquently captured the essence of James' personality and words cannot say how much your memories mean. Many of your tales I remember Jay relating - he loved Ultimate and you guys so much - and nearly always came back from a practice in a peaceful or upbeat mood - and tournaments were such fun.

Many a time when Jay was 13/14 I thanked Ultimate practice on Sunday for keeping him occupied and wearing him out! As you all appreciated, James had huge amounts of energy and enthusiasm for anything he was passionate about - and yes, Ultimate was definitely there up at the top. Ultimate and especially Strange Blue enabled James to be himself and be appreciated for what he was - enthusiastic, athletic, brash, caring, sensitive - one of the team.

He loved going to the tournaments and you guys looked after him so well - I was never worried (well - I was occasionally when he told me the tales of what you all got up to!). He loved being outdoors and doing his cooking - yes I remember well getting the bacon, bread etc for those weekends away - and how he enjoyed being a part of the 'grown-up' goings on. You were so kind - subbing him at the tournaments - taking him off for meals, looking out for him and generally encouraging him.

He gained so much from all his time with you and Ultimate definitely helped to form him into the wonderful young man he became.

Like you we are so saddened and absolutely devastated to lose our wonderful son. James brought so much enthusiasm and fun with him and the world is a quieter place without him. I can only say thank you for all that you have done for James, Gully, Mark and myself.

David McNeilly - yes Matt R did pass on your cap to James - and he always treasured it - it became a part of his cap collection.

I'm afraid I cannot give you any further explanations as to why James had to leave us. As you know he had been in the Army for nearly 3 years and we didn't see a huge amount of him - when he was home he was out with his mates and at Ultimate! I can only think he had as the French would say, an 'emotional accident', which tragically was fatal.

Thank you all and especially Dave M for all your kindness and support - there are not many young people who have the good fortune as James did to meet such a great group of people. The remembrance book helps me get through the difficult times - making me laugh and cry - I really cannot express how important your memories are - they truly encapsulate the spirit of Jay.

If you by any chance have any video footage of James, we would very much appreciate a copy.

Take care all of you and keep playing rude-boy devil-may-care Ultimate.

Trish

Thu 18/10/01


From Sonja Horton

I cannot belive the fact that he has gone.

I worked with him in Choice gift shop for a while.

I remember him best as the naughty one with the cheeky grin that got away with everthing,

One thing especially that always brings a smile to my face is the time he got a tube of super glue and stuck coins to the floor outside and we both hid and watched people trying to pick the coins up, we laughed so hard we almost had an accident!

He was always there if you needed him winding you up to try and cheer you up. It always worked he was a wind up merchant and that is why i love him so. I can honestly say that i miss him with all my heart and if anyone wants to have a chat or what ever i am always available.

sonjahorton@hotmail.com

I send all of my love to his family and friends.

I can garentee he is playing tricks on us where he is now, so be warned he is smiling somewhere, with that cheeky grin. Sonja xx


From Jim Gracey and family

With my wife Diane, I was James's employer at the Choice and Parade shops which we then owned in Cambridge. More than one hundred young people worked for us over the years. James stood out from them all from the start.

In September 1997, when he was aged 16, he was a late applicant for a post advertised in our window. He hastily filled in a brief CV. Apart from his name, address and details of his education, he wrote only that work experience whilst at school was `a nightmare'. Before Jim interviewed him he had already persuaded Jo Rickards, then manager at Choice, that he was the one to pick! He was very earnest at his interview, saying he could only offer us work until the Army accepted him. He was pleasant, polite, energetic, full of initiative, intelligent and helpful - these qualities showed themselves at his interview. They were amply confirmed over the months that he worked for us. Other qualities - notably his wicked sense of humour - showed later and added up to him being a very special member of staff. When asked about time-keeping his inimitable response was `As good as good can be.' And so he was.

He later became known as Army Jim - no doubt to distinguish him from me! Simon Hilton, a later manager, probably started the nickname. Simon also remembers him as `always so nice - seemed like a bloke who had his head screwed on'. James often mentioned his dad being in the Royal Navy and hoped (with one of his grins) that he was going to do even better in the Army. We all worried that he might be sent to Northern Ireland (where I, Jim, come from) so as to help save lives and, no doubt, get little thanks for doing so. But he would be in deadly danger all the time. James also hoped he could take advantage of some of the Army training in electronic communications and eventually retire into this field and make a fortune selling us the latest mobile phones!

During his time in the shops he quickly developed a straight face whenever some practical joke or prank was taking place. Then when he was challenged the big grin and laugh would appear. So much happened that occasionally he and another staff prankster, Andy Warman, had to be separated and work in different shops! Sonja remembers the happenings at Parade, but then suddenly Rose Crescent, where Choice was situated, was hit by an outbreak of stuck-down coins everywhere. What the city CCTV cameras recorded we will never know!

On one occasion he accidentally broke the most expensive doll in the shop window. He came downstairs to the basement, interrupting a meeting of the managers. He was unlike his usual self - very serious and anxious to admit everything. He evidently he thought he was going to be fired on the spot. He took a few minutes to comprehend when we all burst into laughter at his anxiety. The Bull in the China Shop he was not - such accidents happened occasionally to us all.

We had a perpetual nuisance from one particular shop lifter - known to the staff at Marks & Spencer as `The Pest'. One day he came in and I asked him to leave the shop and not come back. I was distracted by another customer and turned my back on him. At this point, Nik remembers James stepping forwarding and adopting a martial arts stance. The Pest ran quickly out of the shop!

Apart from being a very good and useful worker in our shops, his social skills were outstanding in other areas. He famously collected six telephone numbers in one day from pretty girls who came in.

After he joined the Army he would regularly pop into the shop on his leaves and ask about everyone he had worked with and we would hear the latest exciting happenings of his Army life. Very few staff who left us took the trouble to come back and see us. His final visit this year was in motor bike leathers, thrilled that he had acquired a motor bike. He wished us every success in our efforts to sell our business

All of us, Jim, Diane and Nik Gracey, feel great sorrow at his death. It was a joy and a privilege to have known him and our thoughts are with his family and those close to him as, for a brief but unforgettable time, we were too.

With all our love,

Jim, Diane and Nik Gracey


From Katherine Dolphin, Parade Gift Shop

Words can not express how sad we are to hear of of James's death. All our sympathies go to his family & friends at this difficult times.

Although James only worked for a short time at the Parade Gift Shop, the abiding memory I have of him is his great energy & enthusiasm for life which makes it all the more difficult to comprehend.

I well remember him saying he loved running & would get up very early in the morning to do his 5 mile run before coming to work.

Deepest sympathy,

Katherine Dolphin & Staff.

Parade Manager.


From Rohan

There are many stories that spring to mind when I think of James.From playing outside the flat in Queensway,shopping in town,walking and putting me in a headlock in the woods(I could get out of it back then)and finally THAT famous trip to the seaside(the first and last time I was invited to the coast).However,by far the most memorable experience was the 'Ro-Ro reveille' or 'The Human Trampoline' I was a naive 19 year old and had come up from Haslemere to visit Mark.I knocked on his house near Mill Road and was told he didn't live here anymore,he's moved to Queensway.So I set off to find the mischievous old devil.I found the flat and hesitantly knocked on the door.Tricia answered and invited me in.Mark was in the front room.So introductions over,we talked over cups of tea.It was approaching 3pm when they asked if if i would like to come to pick up James from school.I'd said,'I'd love to' and off we went by cycle. We waited for him at the school gates and out came this grinning kid.He immediately started chatting about his day at school and didn't stop until we were back at the flat.When I got back I slumped on the chair and thought I'd finished my 2 minutes exercise for the month.However, James puts his head round the patio door and asks if I would like to play outside.'Sure' I replied,thinking 5 minutes and it'll all be over.I can't remember all the games we played over the next 2 hours but i was knackered and was so happy when it was time to stop for dinner. We all ate.James went off to bed and I positioned myself so I wouldn't have to move all evening until bedtime.So mark,Tricia and myself stayed up until the early hours smoking,drinking and talking until it was time for bed.I was to sleep in the sitting room.No problem.We said our goodnights and thats all i remember before crashing out.Little did I know what was coming up. The next part of the story was what coming up to Queensway was all about for me.It wasn't just the easy atmosphere,tasting Marks delicious bean stew or the way the chocolate always got shared round when Tricia was in charge of the slab!No,it was much more than all these things.It was the 'Ro-Ro reveille' It had just gone 6-15am,it was a Saturday,I had only been asleep for about 4 hours,I was slightly hungover and there was James was asking if I wanted to play.'Of course'I replied.No sooner had my eye lids began to close again the board game was set up.We played for the next couple of hours with board games,action figures,cars,lego etc.We did it all.Occasionally,James would be interrupted by a cartoon for all of 5 minutes before going back to playing.At about 9-30 it was time for breakfast,shopping and then a repeat of the first day.Playing,eating,smoking,drinking and up again early the next morning.When I returned to Haslemere I was exhausted.I needed a break. This shaped my life at Queensway for the next 10+ years.I'd thought I'd have a break as he got older,or when the cartoons started earlier(6am)or when Giles was born.None of these worked.In fact if anything it got worse.I had to get up earlier because of Giles and the cartoons(I HAD to watch you understand).James was a good mentor to Giles and carried on the tradition.When Giles was about 4 years old this meant being attacked by not 1 but 2 rascals.Below is a passage from one of our early morning conversations:

'Are you getting up?'

'In 5 minutes'

2 minutes later.......

'You said you were getting up in 5 minutes'

'Yeah i know.Just 5 more minutes'

A minute later I found Giles jumping on my chest with James tugging at the duvet.Yes,I was the 'Human Trampoline'

So what did I get from all this?

Firstly,I didn't need some feeble excuse to watch Michaela Strachen any more on the Wide Awake Club. Secondly,the masochistic pleasure I got when Phillip had to sleep in the sitting room and endure the terrible duo was excellent. But finally and most importantly I witnessed all the great qualities in James at such an early age.His enthusiasm,his infectiousness,his playfulness,his exuberance and all the fun he generated to the people around him. This is the James I knew.This is the James I miss.

Take Care


From Paul Blacketer

Dear David,

I am writing to you with reference to the sad passing of James Metcalfe all those years ago, it probably seems like yesterday to you I am sure, and it is an event that comes to my memory quite often, even though I did not have the pleasure of knowing him in the way that you, his friends and family obviously did.

I have just put a search into google and found your web-site in tribute to James and have been moved to tears but also feel pleased that I have been able to paint a visual picture of what James was like.

I apologise if you feel that my email is intrusive or is a reminder of something that you would rather put to the back of your memory but I felt compelled to write to you. I have tried to evaluate the pluses and minuses of me writing to you and feel that I am acting appropriately.

If you do not want to add my tribute to your site I would not blame you as you may see it as inappropriate, or unfair to those who knew and loved him so much, the last thing I would want to do is further their grief and loss.

I have not introdued myself and for that I apologise; my name is Paul Blacketer and I was the Essex Fire Service Station Officer in charge of the incident at Goojeraat Barracks on the fateful night that James sadly passed away.

The reason that I am writing to you now is that I have just searched my own name on google and one of the "hits" related to a newspaper article in which I was quoted following James' death and the incident at the barracks.

It was an incident that I try to forget about like so many of the tragic incidents you attend as a fire officer but I started to think of the incident and put James' name in to the search engine.

What I found next was a treat; your web-site and so many lovely tributes to a young man who was obviously so special and well loved by all. The impression I got was that of a real cheeky chap with a high level of fitness.

From my own point of view the night he died will always be in my mind, but the chance to see pictures of what james was like was helpful in my own way in order to assist me in the future.

I am trying so hard to choose my words so carefully as it is such a sensitive thing when talking about the death of someone that you never knew but were still a sentence in a chapter of their life, unfortunately I was in the final chapter.

I really just want to say that my heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of James' friends but most of all to his family. I am so sorry that he died so tragically and at such a young age. My only wish is that the car had not caught alight as I do not believe that it was his intention for that to happen, as I think that the small book on his lap was intended to be read, unfortunately it was burned. I often wonder what it said but it seems we will never know.

I was a young station officer on the night of James' death and feel that my colleagues and I did all that we could but sometimes it seems that there are times in life when you are just too late.

Today has reminded me that I must always live life to the full, be nice to people, have a bit more patience, and tell those dear to me how much I love them on a more regular basis.

I am now 32 years old and was medically retired from the fire service in July of last year. Unfortunately I suffered an injury and "no longer had the emotional fortitude necessary to deal with the everyday encounters of front line fire fighting", I now own a fire safety company.

Well I have probably said enough and really just want you to pass on my deepest sympathy to James' family and to say thank you to you for putting the effort in to creating a web-site that allows people to tell their own memories of James and share it with others.

With kindest regards and deepest sympathy

paul blacketer


From Alex King

My name is Alex and you will not know me as I was not part of James "Frisbee" Crowd (I'm sorry he would kill me for calling it frisbee)

However I have stumbled across your site and was hoping you wouldn't mind adding some my own thoughts of James.

James (or Metcalfe as he was known to me) was my best friend at school, he was always there whenever I needed a hug or a friendly ear and I'm sure everyone will remember the way he could make you smile no matter what. It didn't matter how bad things got, I always had Metcalfe to look out for me.

6 years is a long time but I know he is still watching and allthough he is around less often these days, he will always be there with his cheeky grin to pick me up and dust me off.

James was more than a friend to me he was an Angel, and he never truly left us, he just went home.

With heartfelt love and blessings to all who hold James' memory dear,

Alex King xx


Why?

Why did James decide to leave us? He may have written a note, but his notebook was burned and hard to read.

His career in the army was going very well indeed, with talk of promotions, commendations, and commissions in the offing.

A couple of weeks before James died, he put himself onto crutches by falling off a lamppost. This caused him to miss a parachute exercise, but he was not out of action for long, and was still on course for a posting in Canada.

On the day that James died, he was riding a friend's new motorcycle, and damaged it. Maybe he was feeling bad about this. He also had a run-in with one of his commanding officers on the same day.

We probably won't know what else James was feeling.


The Funeral

James's funeral was at 2pm on Thursday 17th August, at St. Andrews Church Histon. There was a huge bash afterwards organised by James's family, at Homerton College.

for those of you who weren't there, here's a few vignettes.

James's funeral and bash were a moving and special time. The church in Histon - a wonderful quiet place, with the loudest sound being the clucking of hens and the wind in the trees - was packed with family, with army friends, with James's Cambridge drinking friends, and with Strange Blue past and present. His coffin was marched in very slowly and formally and perfectly by 6 of his friends from the army, drilled by a 7th officer.

At the bash, Gulley (James's little brother) changed straight into shorts and t-shirt and his parents were keen to lighten the mood, so before you could say `Calypso ultimate', Chris Mills and Matt Robb were out there chucking around, and within half an hour we had a 7 on 7 game happening, all wearing James's superman shirts.

We handed out discs to the gathering crowd - a gorgeous sunny afternoon - and soon an army team had formed and joined in, in their dress uniforms, on the yellow side.

James's Dad was keen to break the ice for some people who were still in funeral mode, and he asked me for a handful of shirts; plopping them over the heads of these people in and around the marquee, he told them they were now playing ultimate and got a second throw-around happening next to the marquee.

We played from 4.30 to 7.00, welcoming late arrrival Adrian Lane with an extra 5-point game.

James's parents really appreciated our help in transforming the mood from a sombre one, which they did not want - "it was like an awful wedding" - into a positive celebration of James.



Copyright

All these pages are copyrighted by Strange Blue, Cambridge Ultimate: the authors, the photographers, and the website maintainer (David MacKay).

Please respect the family's wishes that these pages and their contents not be copied elsewhere.



Author's email addresses have not been included in order to avoid junk email deluges. If you would like a list of Cambridge Ultimate addresses please contact David.

Site last modified Tue Jun 17 09:00:36 BST 2008