Condolence
Tributes to James Shoesmith
 |
| TRAGEDY: James Shoesmith |
A 23-YEAR-old teacher described as a brilliant and wonderful member of staff has been found dead at his home.
Tributes have been paid to James Shoesmith from his family, a colleague and former headteacher.
The Haslingden High School teacher and former head boy at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Blackburn, was found at the home he shared with his parents in Higham Road, Huntroyde, Burnley, on Friday.
A post mortem examination was due to take place today.
East Lancashire Coroner Richard Taylor has been informed about the death and will carry out an inquest.
James was the only son of Neil, chief executive of the Nelson-based Marsden Building Society and Valerie, head of music at Haslingden High School.
His father said his son was the "best".
He said that as well as being an Oxford University-educated James played sports.
James had represented both his school and university in cricket, football, tennis and badminton.
Mr Shoesmith said: "He was lucky because it's not often they both run together.
"He had an amazing gift in his ability to talk to people and get on with anyone. He was a gentle and kind individual.
"We have 23 years to think about. All we have left are those special memories."
James taught History and A level Law at Haslingden High, which he joined in September, and was a Year Seven form tutor.
The news of his sudden death was broken to staff and children at assembly on Monday.
Counselling and a room for quiet reflection were offered to youngsters and adults.
| CONDOLENCES | | Post your tributes to James - add your comments below. |
|
James studied for a degree in English Law with French Law at Queen's College, Oxford.
He spoke French, German and Spanish.
After graduating in 2005, he studied for a PGCE at St Martin's College, Lancaster, before taking up his teaching career.
Headteacher at Haslingden High School Eve Challinger said: "We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the death of such a promising and talented young teacher.
"He was a brilliant form tutor and had such a wonderful enthusiasm for the school and the students.
"He started the school's first debating society, which competed successfully in national competitions.
"James will be missed terribly by his colleagues and students at the school.
"Our deepest sympathy goes to his parents at this very sad time."
He joined the Junior School at QEGS in September 1991 and left 10 years later after an outstanding school career.
He obtained eleven subjects at GCSE, all at grade A*, and gained four straight A grades in his A levels.
Headmaster Dr David Hempsall said: "James was a remarkable young man.
"A fine scholar, an outstanding head of school and a thoroughly engaging individual.
"He was both liked and respected by everyone, staff and students alike.
"James made a deep and positive impression on all those of us who were privileged to know him."
A celebration of James's life will be held at Central Methodist Church, Hargreaves Street, Burnley, on Monday, followed by burial at Burnley Cemetery.
3:31pm Wednesday 28th March 2007
Print 
Email this 
CommentPosted by: Anne, Michael, Luke and Matthew Parkington, Helmshore on 8:37pm Wed 28 Mar 07
We are so shocked to hear of Mr Shoesmith's death. He taught Luke Law in the Sixth Form at Haslingden and Luke held him with high regard both as a teacher and friend. He will be sadly missed by everyone, none more so than his parents our heartfelt condolences and prayers and thoughts are with them at this very sad time. God Bless you all and keep James safe now.
Love from
The Parkington's.
We are so shocked to hear of Mr Shoesmith's death. He taught Luke Law in the Sixth Form at Haslingden and Luke held him with high regard both as a teacher and friend. He will be sadly missed by everyone, none more so than his parents our heartfelt condolences and prayers and thoughts are with them at this very sad time. God Bless you all and keep James safe now.
Love from
The Parkington's.
Posted by: Mohsin Patel, Blackburn on 8:40pm Wed 28 Mar 07
James,
You've been one of my best friends for most of my life. I will never ever forget you.
You live on through us. Sleep peacefully now.
All my love,
Mohsin
James,
You've been one of my best friends for most of my life. I will never ever forget you.
You live on through us. Sleep peacefully now.
All my love,
Mohsin
Posted by: kiefer roden year 10 on 9:14pm Wed 28 Mar 07
he was one of the best and freindly teachers i have had to teach history
he was one of the best and freindly teachers i have had to teach history
Posted by: Tom isherwood, ribblesdale high school on 11:29am Thu 29 Mar 07
mr shoesmith taught me for a few terms last year in our law class, he was a great teacher and we had a great time. He was always full of energy and we loved having lessons with him. All of us year 11 law students are shocked and upset about mr shoesmith, and we wont forget him
mr shoesmith taught me for a few terms last year in our law class, he was a great teacher and we had a great time. He was always full of energy and we loved having lessons with him. All of us year 11 law students are shocked and upset about mr shoesmith, and we wont forget him
Posted by: mitchell jones, ribblesdale high school. yr 11 on 11:34am Thu 29 Mar 07
mr shoesmith omly taught me and my law group for about a term but we all got on with him really well. he was a very good listener and he never lost his temper when we needed help or didnt understand. news of his death came as a very big shock to me and for all of my class mates. it was a pleasure to have been taught by him.
mr shoesmith omly taught me and my law group for about a term but we all got on with him really well. he was a very good listener and he never lost his temper when we needed help or didnt understand. news of his death came as a very big shock to me and for all of my class mates. it was a pleasure to have been taught by him.
Posted by: Chrissy Barton, London on 12:09pm Thu 29 Mar 07
I had the pleasure of knowing James while I was at university with him. James was always a pleasure to talk to- charming, kind and gentle.
James, I only wish I had spent more time with you, and got in contact more recently. You were well loved by all who knew you at Queen's, and will be sorely missed.
I had the pleasure of knowing James while I was at university with him. James was always a pleasure to talk to- charming, kind and gentle.
James, I only wish I had spent more time with you, and got in contact more recently. You were well loved by all who knew you at Queen's, and will be sorely missed.
Posted by: danny, jack and kurt, ribblesdale high school on 12:16pm Thu 29 Mar 07
mr shoesmith tought us for a while last year in law. he was a very good teacher and we all got along with him. the news of him came as a massive shock. he will never be forgotten. Best wishes to all friends and relatives of james, through this time of bereavement x
mr shoesmith tought us for a while last year in law. he was a very good teacher and we all got along with him. the news of him came as a massive shock. he will never be forgotten. Best wishes to all friends and relatives of james, through this time of bereavement x
Posted by: zoe hartshorn, ribblesdale high school on 3:25pm Thu 29 Mar 07
you helped me in law and we had a laugh with you all the time. We thought that you were called circus shoesmith but then we found out you weren't but the name stuck. We will always remember you as the one and only circus and you should have come on our london trip in law. miss you sir!!!
you helped me in law and we had a laugh with you all the time. We thought that you were called circus shoesmith but then we found out you weren't but the name stuck. We will always remember you as the one and only circus and you should have come on our london trip in law. miss you sir!!!
Posted by: Peter on 5:33pm Thu 29 Mar 07
I am very saddened by the untimely passing of Mr.Shoesmith. He was the form tutor for my daughter this term, She was quite shaken by the news when it was broke to her Monday morning. My partner & I met him last year at our daughters first review just a few months after she started at Haslingden High. He came across as a very happy, enthusiastic & caring young man. I for one am saddened by this news, I can only imagine what his parents are going through, His mother taught me music when i was at the same school.
I am very saddened by the untimely passing of Mr.Shoesmith. He was the form tutor for my daughter this term, She was quite shaken by the news when it was broke to her Monday morning. My partner & I met him last year at our daughters first review just a few months after she started at Haslingden High. He came across as a very happy, enthusiastic & caring young man. I for one am saddened by this news, I can only imagine what his parents are going through, His mother taught me music when i was at the same school.
Posted by: faith biddle, accrington on 6:48pm Thu 29 Mar 07
[italic]italic[/italic] Mr shoesmith was a very respected man, everyone loved him and he was an excellent history teacher.He will be dearly and we are deeply saddend by his death. R.I.P mr Shoesmith ****
Mr shoesmith was a very respected man, everyone loved him and he was an excellent history teacher.He will be dearly and we are deeply saddend by his death. R.I.P mr Shoesmith ****
Posted by: Daniell Grogan, haslingden high school on 9:50pm Thu 29 Mar 07
Mr Shoesmith will be deeply missed by everyone. when we all got told the news on moday it was a big shock and i know everone in our history class really enjoyed having lessons with him and we will all miss him deeply xxx
Mr Shoesmith will be deeply missed by everyone. when we all got told the news on moday it was a big shock and i know everone in our history class really enjoyed having lessons with him and we will all miss him deeply xxx
Posted by: steven smith, Clitheroe on 10:01pm Thu 29 Mar 07
Even though my family did not know James directly our two sons (both younger than James)attended QEGS and were aware of his good character. This incident leaves us all shocked and deeply saddened for those close to James.
Even though my family did not know James directly our two sons (both younger than James)attended QEGS and were aware of his good character. This incident leaves us all shocked and deeply saddened for those close to James.
Posted by: J Depsey, Rawtenstall, Lancashire on 9:25pm Fri 30 Mar 07
Mr Shoesmith taught me AS Level History, and although I have only known him since September 2006, I know from the time I spent learning rom him that he was a very nice, polite person. He was a teacher, a friend, a collegue, a son, and he will be missed by everyone who ever spent any time with him at all. Rest in peace.
Mr Shoesmith taught me AS Level History, and although I have only known him since September 2006, I know from the time I spent learning rom him that he was a very nice, polite person. He was a teacher, a friend, a collegue, a son, and he will be missed by everyone who ever spent any time with him at all. Rest in peace.
Posted by: Jessica, year 7, Haslingden High School on 4:24pm Sat 31 Mar 07
Mr Shoesmith has been my form tutor since I started Haslingden High School in September. I really liked him because he was always so kind and friendly to me and my friends. We will miss him a lot. Mr Shoesmith always had a smile on his face and I want to remember him like that.
Love from Jessica xx
Mr Shoesmith has been my form tutor since I started Haslingden High School in September. I really liked him because he was always so kind and friendly to me and my friends. We will miss him a lot. Mr Shoesmith always had a smile on his face and I want to remember him like that.
Love from Jessica xx
Posted by: Lydia and Emma, Haslingden High on 2:51pm Sun 1 Apr 07
Mr Shoesmith was my brothers form tutor and my brother is very upset, so I am too. Sir was nice when we had him for P.S.H.E we're going to miss him.
From Emma
We're going to miss sir because he was a really good teacher at our school.
From [italic]Lydia[/italic]
Mr Shoesmith was my brothers form tutor and my brother is very upset, so I am too. Sir was nice when we had him for P.S.H.E we're going to miss him.
From Emma
We're going to miss sir because he was a really good teacher at our school.
From
Lydia Posted by: Lydia, Haslingden on 7:10pm Sun 1 Apr 07
[bold][italic]Mr Shoesmith was so cool
He really did well at my school.
I loved him to pieces, yes I did
In an auction I would totally bid
For him, the good teacher I loved and miss
I wish I could bring back Mr Shoesmith.[/italic] [/bold]
Mr Shoesmith was so cool
He really did well at my school.
I loved him to pieces, yes I did
In an auction I would totally bid
For him, the good teacher I loved and miss
I wish I could bring back Mr Shoesmith. Posted by: brittany from is form ..xx, accrington on 9:14pm Sun 1 Apr 07
dear mr shoesmith,
when all your form found out the terrible news ... we were all heart-broken and were so upset. We cried and wished you were back , here with us! we will all miss you loads and you were the best teacher ever! we will always remember you as our form tutor and the very very VERY BEST form tutor in the world!! we will miss you dearly and will always have you on your mind!!!
miss you lots and lots all my love and thoughts .. Brittany Riley from your form
R.I.P sir sleep well .... xxxxxxxxx miss you!!! xx
dear mr shoesmith,
when all your form found out the terrible news ... we were all heart-broken and were so upset. We cried and wished you were back , here with us! we will all miss you loads and you were the best teacher ever! we will always remember you as our form tutor and the very very VERY BEST form tutor in the world!! we will miss you dearly and will always have you on your mind!!!
miss you lots and lots all my love and thoughts .. Brittany Riley from your form
R.I.P sir sleep well .... xxxxxxxxx miss you!!! xx
Posted by: Cam, Manchester on 10:33pm Sun 1 Apr 07
As one of my three best friends at school, I find it hard to believe the news that I heard.
We may not have been in touch for a couple of years, but the memories I have of you will last a lifetime.
My deepest, deepest sympathy.
As one of my three best friends at school, I find it hard to believe the news that I heard.
We may not have been in touch for a couple of years, but the memories I have of you will last a lifetime.
My deepest, deepest sympathy.
Posted by: Ashley McDermott, London on 2:37pm Mon 2 Apr 07
I studied law with James at Queen's and can say that he was an extremely well liked and very valuable member of the College. As I remember the times in Oxford that I spent with James, be it in tutorials, sporting occasions or elsewhere, it is with a sense of great happiness that I had the opportunity of knowing him and great sadness that we will never see him again.
I studied law with James at Queen's and can say that he was an extremely well liked and very valuable member of the College. As I remember the times in Oxford that I spent with James, be it in tutorials, sporting occasions or elsewhere, it is with a sense of great happiness that I had the opportunity of knowing him and great sadness that we will never see him again.
Posted by: Jack Eastwood, Waterfoot on 4:16pm Tue 3 Apr 07
Sir.
You've helped me with my sixth form life and not only were a teacher to me but also a freind, Legend.
Jack.
Sir.
You've helped me with my sixth form life and not only were a teacher to me but also a freind, Legend.
Jack.
Posted by: Nweed Khalid, Haslingden on 5:33pm Tue 3 Apr 07
Sir.
You were an inspiration to me. You helped me and many others in their sixth form life and were always there to talk to and always smiling. You were a brilliant teacher and a really really good friend. You will always be remembered. And you truly are a Legend.
Nweed.
Sir.
You were an inspiration to me. You helped me and many others in their sixth form life and were always there to talk to and always smiling. You were a brilliant teacher and a really really good friend. You will always be remembered. And you truly are a Legend.
Nweed.
Posted by: Mahmood Undre, Manchester on 5:46pm Wed 4 Apr 07
I had the pleasure of attending school at a time when James was there. He was a few years older than me, he epitomised what it meant to be the perfect gentleman. My thoughts are with his family.
Mahmood
I had the pleasure of attending school at a time when James was there. He was a few years older than me, he epitomised what it meant to be the perfect gentleman. My thoughts are with his family.
Mahmood
Posted by: David Westmoreland, St. Andrews on 4:51pm Mon 9 Apr 07
I saw James not only as a good friend but a role model. A great loss.
I saw James not only as a good friend but a role model. A great loss.
Posted by: Bilal Ali, Brierfield on 5:12pm Mon 9 Apr 07
It was an unbelievable shock when I heard that James had passed away. I remember James as a true diplomat at QEGS. His academic and sport prowess was a benchmark that younger pupils at the school aspired to. More importantly when he took over as Head Boy.
Unfortunately I could not attend his funeral but my thoughts are with Neil and Valerie.
May his infectious personality remain with us always.
Bilal
It was an unbelievable shock when I heard that James had passed away. I remember James as a true diplomat at QEGS. His academic and sport prowess was a benchmark that younger pupils at the school aspired to. More importantly when he took over as Head Boy.
Unfortunately I could not attend his funeral but my thoughts are with Neil and Valerie.
May his infectious personality remain with us always.
Bilal
Posted by: lauren hill, helmshore on 5:20pm Mon 16 Apr 07
I am really sorry to hear about the death of your son, Mr. Shoesmith. He was my form tutor, a great one too! no-one can evar replace him and i am sure that no-one will forget the kind and warming personality that he had.
I was really upset to recieve the news and i am once again really sorry.
I am really sorry to hear about the death of your son, Mr. Shoesmith. He was my form tutor, a great one too! no-one can evar replace him and i am sure that no-one will forget the kind and warming personality that he had.
I was really upset to recieve the news and i am once again really sorry.
Posted by: lauren hill, from mr shoesmith's form, haslingden on 5:40pm Mon 16 Apr 07
mr shoesmith was a kind and warm hearted person. The shock of it was awful and he will always be on my mind, i will really miss him x x x x R.I.P..mr shoesmith x x
mr shoesmith was a kind and warm hearted person. The shock of it was awful and he will always be on my mind, i will really miss him x x x x R.I.P..mr shoesmith x x
Posted by: Grace Edeson, 7H on 4:23pm Thu 19 Apr 07
Mr Shoesmith was:
The best there is
the best there was
the best there ever will be
Mr Shoesmith was:
The best there is
the best there was
the best there ever will be
Posted by: brad and jon, haslingden on 11:56am Mon 21 May 07
rip u r da greatest teacher eva!! ur missed rip!!!
rip u r da greatest teacher eva!! ur missed rip!!!
Posted by: Mishaim, Edinburgh on 12:31pm Fri 15 Jun 07
deeply shocked and saddened to learn that James has passed away. It was a pleasure knowing him at QEGS. rest in peace james, love Mishaim
deeply shocked and saddened to learn that James has passed away. It was a pleasure knowing him at QEGS. rest in peace james, love Mishaim
Posted by: sophie pilling 7s my form tutor, helmshore on 1:56am Sun 19 Aug 07
MR.shoesmith that is what i used to call him. he was my form tutor and imiss him so much and i know we all do.When the form was told about the shocking news my heart had felt like it had lost a piece and needed it replacing but later on past the few months I knew that he was always there just there looking after the form like he did and i do miss him dearly! i am sure everyone feels thr same way and we all shall miss him so! xxx i shall always remember you mr.shoesmith! xx I remember one day at the begining of school registration I was upset and you helped me sort all of my problems all go away thankyou for always being there for me and the form! xx i shall always love you!!! you shall stay in my mind and thoughts for the rest of my life! xxx love you always xxx sophie pilling in your form 7s **** rest in peace ****
MR.shoesmith that is what i used to call him. he was my form tutor and imiss him so much and i know we all do.When the form was told about the shocking news my heart had felt like it had lost a piece and needed it replacing but later on past the few months I knew that he was always there just there looking after the form like he did and i do miss him dearly! i am sure everyone feels thr same way and we all shall miss him so! xxx i shall always remember you mr.shoesmith! xx I remember one day at the begining of school registration I was upset and you helped me sort all of my problems all go away thankyou for always being there for me and the form! xx i shall always love you!!! you shall stay in my mind and thoughts for the rest of my life! xxx love you always xxx sophie pilling in your form 7s **** rest in peace ****
What are these links for?
If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content we've made it easy for you to do it.
At the bottom of all articles, you'll see links to six sites. These sites - commonly called 'social bookmark' or 'social news' sites - have large communities of web users who share and rate interesting, useful and fun things on the web.
Clicking the links will automatically add the address of the story you are reading to one of these sites, letting you share it with others. Each site will ask you to register to share stories. Registration is free and once a member, you can store, recommend and search for stories that interest you.
More on Digg
More on del.icio.us
More on Furl
More on reddit
More on NowPublic/
More on Yahoo!
