A ‘WONDERFUL’ Blackbird Leys resident and avid philanthropist has passed away aged 80 after battling with cancer. 

Pillar of the community, Aurora James, known to friends and family as Irma, died on March 31.

Mrs James, who had lived on the Blackbird Leys estate for 55 years, was well-known in the community for her charity work.

She began volunteering for the Sailors’ Society in 1988 after her late husband Eli James encouraged her to become a fundraiser. 

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She said back in 2018, when she was celebrating 30 years of volunteering for the charity: “I knew nothing about Sailors’ Society - Eli gave me the push to do it.

“Old age is getting the better of me but for them, and for my husband, I will go the extra mile. It is a permanent memorial to him.”

The Sailors’ Society offers mental health support and crisis response to seafarers and their families across the world.

In her years volunteering for the charity, Mrs James raised over £26,000 for the cause with the support of Blackbird Leys locals.

It was unusual for Mrs James to be seen leaving her home without her hat, Sailors’ Society t-shirt, and coin collection box, which she carried with other charity memorabilia in a basket.

The fundraiser always gave credit to her husband for motivating her to continue with her charity work.

She said: “He always had faith in me. He was too good for this world.

“Every time I pick a penny off the pavement and drop it in the [collection] box, I know it is him.”

In October 2020, Mrs James had to stop her door-to-door collection because of her stage four cancer.

Mrs James was born on October 31, 1941, on the island of St Vincent in the Caribbean.

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She moved to Blackbird Leys in 1965 and lived on Field Avenue ever since.

As well as the Sailors’ Society, Mrs James volunteered to raise money for the NHS and the Stillbirth and neonatal death charity [SANDS].

Mrs James' eldest granddaughter, Cara-Lee James, paid tribute to her grandmother.

She said: "My grandmother was the most exceptional person. I couldn't thank her enough for being a part of my life and upbringing. She shared herself through and through. I will miss her so much."

The community hero had five granddaughters and what she would call her 'one beloved grandson'.

She also had a great-grandson, Finley-Eli, and a great-granddaughter, Bobbi-Maria.

Her eldest granddaughter added: "My life will never be the same. She was more than just my nan. I find peace that she is now with my grandfather, Eli James.

"What a fantastic soul, what a fabulous grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be forever missed and forever loved."

Mrs James’ funeral is being held tomorrow at 11am at the Methodist Church on Cowley Road, followed by a service at Rose Hill Cemetery at 12.30pm.

Due to coronavirus restrictions, only an invited 30 people can attend the funeral service, however, family members will be live-streaming the service on Youtube so Mrs James family members in the Caribbean and America, as well as those in the UK who cannot attend the service, can watch.

Friends and family are also invited to join a funeral procession that will start at Fields Avenue then carry on along the bus route to Pegasus Road, making a right into Blackbird Leys Road, passing the Holy Family Church towards the Cowley Methodist Church.

A Just Giving page will also be created in due course to raise money for a ‘fit and proper’ tribute or memorial for Mrs James and to raise money for The Sailors Society, SANDS, and the NHS - the three charities Mrs James worked for.

You can watch the service here.

Community answers

Remembering Aurora 'Irma' James

"Send in your photos, memories and tributes to beloved community member, Irma James, who has passed away at the age of 80."

We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.

From Lisa Jones

Write your message hereOur thoughts and prayers are extended to the James family as well as to the Field Avenue and Black Bird Leys community. We left life in Black Bird Leys in 1980 to move to the US and have so many memories of Mrs James keeping us all in check as children (not just the Jones’ but all the Field Ave kids). It was a pleasure for mum and I to have the honor to sit and chat with her during our last visit 5 years ago. I do recall, that our intention was to pop in for a quick visit, but with Mrs James, there was no such thing as a quick visit or chat. She caught us up on everything she had been doing over the years. She was a woman filled with knowledge and so much wisdom. About a week or two before Mrs. James transitioned, mum and I were able to speak with her, pray with her and sing a hymn. I feel a sense of peace knowing that she is resting in GOD’s kingdom in heaven and also, she is reunited with her adoring husband. I can only imagine that beautiful reunion. Derrick, Douglas and Darren, though far away, please know that our thoughts are with you during this time. I pray that you will be comforted by all the wonderful memories of your dear mum and the many lives she has touched. To a life well lived! Mrs James RIP. Love, Lisa Jones-Singleton David & Thelma Jones & Family From: Maryland, USA

Would you like to share a photo?

Oxford Mail: Gone but never forgottenGone but never forgotten

From Thelma Jones

Write your message hereMrs James was a powerful light when my family lived on Field Avenue. Although we moved from in 1981, Mrs James always sent me a Christmas card or a letter. I know she will be missed. Darren, Douglas and Derrick and the entire James Family, your mum’s wisdom is now in your hearts and in your memories. Know that the Jones family will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We will always cherish her memory and keep her in our hearts. She is dancing with her beloved Eli and resting in GOD’s heavenly kingdom.

Would you like to share a photo?

Oxford Mail: Never forgotten Dearest Mrs JamesNever forgotten Dearest Mrs James

From Peter Donald

Write your message hereA lovely lively lady, and a tireless cheerful enthusiastic fund-raiser for our Society that she loved so much. Above all, a bright and genuine christian woman of God.

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Oxford Mail: Irma receives an award from the Sailors' Society at their 2013 annual service for her fund-raising efforts on their behalf.Irma receives an award from the Sailors' Society at their 2013 annual service for her fund-raising efforts on their behalf.

From Miss Vivien Marie Stanley

Write your message hereMrs Irma James was a delightful and well loved respected member of the community, who always took the time to help and care for others. A great encourager of life. Rest in Peace. Love from: Mrs E Stanley, and daughters Janet and Vivien

From Lisa Jones

Write your message hereOur thoughts and prayers are extended to the James family as well as to the Field Avenue and Black Bird Leys community. We left life in Black Bird Leys in 1980 to move to the US and have so many memories of Mrs James keeping us all in check as children (not just the Jones’ but all the Field Ave kids). It was a pleasure for mum and I to have the honor to sit and chat with her during our last visit 5 years ago. I do recall, that our intention was to pop in for a quick visit, but with Mrs James, there was no such thing as a quick visit or chat. She caught us up on everything she had been doing over the years. About a week or two before Mrs. James transitioned, mum and I were able to speak with her, pray with her and sing an old hymn. I feel a sense of peace knowing that she is resting in GOD’s heavenly home but also, she is reunited with her adoring husband. I can only imagine that beautiful reunion. Derrick, Douglas and Darren, though far away, please know that our thoughts are with you during this time. I pray that you will be comforted by all the wonderful memories of your dear mum and the many lives she has touched. To a life well lived! Mrs James RIP. Love, Lisa Jones-Singleton David & Thelma Jones & Family

From Community contributor

Write your message hereThoughts and regards to this beautiful lady's family, knew her well as a bus driver and a Leys resident! May she rest in peace

From embassy

Write your message heresad