Happy 32nd birthday, JP. I'll raise a glass of gin in your honour today. Miss you more than ever xxxxxx
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James Connolly (21 Dec 1991 - 19 Oct 2020)
On the 21st of December 1991 our beautiful boy came into the world weighing 6Ibs and 8oz – he came known to us all as JP
From the moment he could move around under his own steam he would follow his sister Jen everywhere. They played together endlessly. One of their favourite games was to re-enact their favourite Disney films. At the time this was The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin. Jen of course got the starring role and James was delegated to all the other parts. He took her instruction well, of which there were many because he just loved to play.
When Jen was at nursery he would play with Thomas the Tank Engine and he had so many of the trains. Or he’d race up and down the hallway on his car, which at 2 years old he could turn on a dime at the end of the hall and race back again.
In 1994 he went to nursery, Stepping Stones, 3 mornings a week. When it was time to go to primary school, he was very excited. On his first day at school he went up to his teacher and introduced himself. I’m not so sure the excitement of school lasted throughout his secondary school though!
James always wanted to achieve and do the best that he could. When he didn’t feel that he was receiving a good education at the 6th form in his secondary school, he researched his options and approached St Brendan’s 6th Form College. He excelled there and achieved 4 A Levels, 2 with an A and 2 with a B Grade.
He passed his driving test first time and was a very competent driver. Well from what I could see between my fingers.
James learned to play the Saxophone during his secondary school years and reached a Grade 4 with Merit.
From there he went to Sheffield University and obtained his degree in East Asia Studies.
His first job from Uni was for the Civil Service in London. He has worked in various departments and I know he enjoyed the diversity and challenges that this work gave him.
Throughout his life, James made many friends and that included Craig with whom he became engaged.
This biography is by far too short, too short because we could talk endlessly about the time we had with him and too short because his story should not have ended at such a young age.
Our intelligent, funny, witty son is gone and our hearts are forever broken.
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I wish with all my heart you were still here, JP. I miss you so much! Love you always and forever ❤
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I can't believe it's been a year, boo. A year since you left us. A year since I saw your beautiful smile and your cheeky grin. A year since we laughed at the little private jokes that nobody else quite understood. A year since I was the butt of your jokes, and you mine. A year since you told me you loved me, then hated me, then loved me again, all in one sentence. A year since I've felt the depth of your care and concern. A year since you shared your kind, considerate, yet fragile heart with me. A year since my heart broke into a million pieces and has never been the same again. Continue to rest peacefully my beloved JP. Not a day passes when something that I hear, see or feel doesn't make me think of you. I often still shed tears for you, and I love you and miss you more than ever. Your Queen, 'Sheba' 💔❤️💔❤️💔
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Sheffield Uni 2011 x
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James - thank you for all the laughter, tears, accomplishments, gossip and banter over the last 15 years. From walking to and from school together, to being one of the few Southerners at Sheffield, to when our paths briefly crossed in London. You were always an amazing friend when I needed you and you have one of kindest hearts I know - thank you for bringing me so many joyous memories over the years my Eurovision & Pikachu buddy. Will miss you xxx
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Rest in peace JP, such a kind and sensitive soul.
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May you rest in peace JP, such a kind and sensitive soul.
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May you rest in peace JP, such a kind and sensitive soul.
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With my mum, her friend Jill & the dogs. JPs true nature came out when he was around animals, he adored & loved them. Getting Finn together was lovely, and he used to text me like a proud dad when he’d taken Finn to the pub “he’s been such a good boy”
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My JP – I miss you so very much
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My JP – I miss you so very much. I will miss your smile and hugs. I will miss your very late night text messages, telling me about your day when mine was long over and fast asleep. I will miss when you open your Christmas presents and you see something you really didn’t expect – your standard phrase of ‘oh fancy!’. I’m going to keep talking to you even though I won’t hear your reply, I’ll just have to imagine your response. You’ll forever be my baby boy – rest peacefully my sweet one x
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Me and my JP x
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Lovely photo!
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JP, we only met a couple of times, but I saw the way you inspired and brought joy to others around you. Thinking of you deeply.
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JP you are missed by so many of us in the D&I world in Gov and beyond. You were so super helpful last summer over the diagnostic stuff-it was a mad time that you handled so graciously . May you rest in eternal peace and may the warm shadow you cast bring some comfort for those that love you.
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Rest well JP, you won't be forgotten xx
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JP, I'm so happy that the Census and your love of data brought us together. In such a short space of time you brought a smile and energy to everything and I know you will be very much missed by everyone you worked with. Rest in Peace. VL x
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JP, you touched so many of us in your quiet, wonderful way. Be at peace. x
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Sheffield Uni 2011 x
With my mum, her friend Jill & the dogs. JPs true nature came out when he was around animals, he adored & loved them. Getting Finn together was lovely, and he used to text me like a proud dad when he’d taken Finn to the pub “he’s been such a good boy”
Me and my JP x
JP, you touched so many of us in your quiet, wonderful way. Be at peace. x
I really wish I had more pics of us, we here we are, probably up to no good (judging by the smiles!) in our 'happy corner'!
Happy times!
Our first international trip together, to Turin , Italy, September 2017. The first of our many adventures!
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I have no words except that you are gone too soon. You were so loved, I hope you’re at peace Xx
At Abbey Road studios
Finn’s other Dad 😊
JP and Craig were soulmates ❤️ they found genuine love and happiness in each other. RIP my intended son-in-law. You were loved by so many but especially by your extended White family ❤️
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