In February 2026, we lost our beloved Jimmy unexpectedly. To say North Devon has been rocked by this tragic news is an understatement.

James was one of those rare people who had time for everyone. He made people feel seen, remembered the little things and was genuinely loved by so many. His funeral will be talked about for years to come, with around 800 people gathering to pay their respects, bringing Barnstaple to a temporary standstill. The celebration afterwards at The Thatched Inn in Abbotsham was just as James would have wanted it... something to rival a gathering of England making it to the World Cup Final.

Kayleigh (James’s sister in law) and Steve, better known as Baz (one of James’s lifelong friends), have both been lucky enough to secure places in the 2026 London Marathon.

The race takes place on Sunday 26th April, which would have been James’s 49th birthday.

Kay and Baz have decided to raise money in James’s memory for the British Heart Foundation, a charity that works tirelessly to fund research and save lives.

So if anyone would like to “buy James a pint” for his birthday, you can do so here by making a donation.

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Baz's Story

I’ve known James Lee since he was 1 years old, therefore can truly call him a lifelong friend.

To learn of his tragic passing at such a young age of only 48 has truly shocked me, and is a real reminder that life must be lived right now.

I will treasure the memories spent with James, from endless summer days spent at the beach as young boys to later in life taking our own boys to watch the mighty Arsenal.

In his memory we will be running the London Marathon raising money for the British Heart Foundation, teaming up with his sister in law Kayleigh who is also running. Any donations to this wonderful charity will be gratefully received.

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Kay's Story

I met James in 2009 when Mark (his brother) and I started dating. Being from Wales, we started off long distance until I made the move down to North Devon 4 years later. Mark asked me out and made us official on James's birthday just so he could remember the date 😂.

Being so far away from my family, James always made me feel like he was there for me, like my own older brother and he and Stella have been a rock of support for me since my move to Devon.

James really was one of the good guys, he made time for everyone and made them feel seen. He was always the first birthday text for everyone and it was like being with a celebrity driving around with him in Bideford, constantly waving to everyone!

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He will be hugely missed by everyone lucky enough to have known him.

And when the marathon gets hard, we’ll dig deep… for Jimmy.