Julia James: Son of Kent officer found dead in wood tells funeral service she would 'light up room with her smile'
A senior police officer at the Kent force says PCSO Julia James was defined by her "passion, dedication, commitment" and "friendly, bubbly personality", while a close friend said she had a "zest for life".
Thursday 22 July 2021 16:58, UK
A funeral service for a police community support officer who was allegedly murdered has been held at Canterbury Cathedral.
PCSO Julia James, 53, was found dead in Akholt Wood close to her home in Snowdown, Kent, on 27 April.
The funeral service was live streamed on Facebook and YouTube on Thursday.
During the service, her son Patrick Davis described his mum as "the most amazing woman" who would go to "the end of the Earth to help anyone".
He added: "She had the most infectious laugh and a huge heart and I am so pleased I had the pleasure of calling you my mother.
"Mum would light up a room with her smile as soon as she walked in.
"As she entered she would glow with positivity, love and warmth."
Dean of Canterbury Rev Dr Robert Willis said people attending had "come with a mixture of human emotions, in sorrow for our loss, in admiration for the qualities displayed by Julia... in thanksgiving for those qualities and to surround Julia's family with our love".
Among those in attendance were officers from Kent Police, the force Ms James joined in 2008.
Acting Detective Superintendent Gavin Moss said: "Her passion, dedication and commitment, along with her friendly, bubbly personality that defined her, was evident from day one of her career at Kent Police.
"Her role as a PCSO keeping communities safe and identifying and supporting vulnerable people was epitomised by Julia in each and every interaction she had. This was not only evident in local communities but also with her colleagues.
"She always served her communities with her ever-present smile and her dedication to make lives better... in doing so she helped so many communities thrive.
"Words cannot do her justice, but we cannot have been more proud to have Julia as a colleague and a friend."
Ms James's daughter Bethan Coles, with her voice breaking up, read a poem, I Am Standing On The Seashore.
And giving a eulogy, one of her best friends Tammy Winstone, said: "Julia had a zest for life. She loved to have a dance and listen to guitar music. She had always enjoyed being outdoors, but in the last few years had become even closer to nature, and her walks... were her happy place."
Ms James's death resulted in a huge investigation involving dozens of officers from all over the country.
Before the procession, her daughter Ms Coles had called on the community to come together to take part by gathering in the Market Square or lining the streets of Aylesham, near where Ms James lived.
Father Jeff Cridland, the Catholic priest for the village church of St Finbarr's, said Ms James "was one of the flowers of Aylesham".
Those attending the service in Canterbury were asked to wear blue in recognition of Ms James's police work.
The family said the burial would be private and attended only by close friends and family.
Callum Wheeler, 21, from Aylesham, has been charged with Ms James's murder and a trial date has been set for 29 November.