|
|
Post by vickyground on Feb 21, 2012 10:57:21 GMT
Just read Lou's article in the Sentinel, not particularly agreeing with every word, until I read this and I felt so sad. I had no idea, maybe it has been mentioned on a thread and I have not picked it up. I would just like to pass on my condolence's to the family of James Bartlem, I wish we could have won, if only for James. God bless and RIP James Bartlam.
These are Lou's words "FINALLY this week, I'd like to tell you about a very special Stoke City fan called James Bartlam.
Despite being desperately ill and so weak he could hardly get out of bed, James still insisted on coming to Stoke's last two home games in appalling weather.
His courage and the smile on his face were truly remarkable in the circumstances, and must have helped his loving family during difficult times for everyone.
James, who was 46, was cared for by Douglas MacMillan and they deserve every thanks for the way they look after people like him.
I'd known him for a few years and he was also a big friend of Nick Hancock, who deserves great credit for taking him home and looking after him on occasions.
Sadly, James has seen his last game of football.
But his funeral yesterday was a fitting tribute to a Stoke fan who will never be forgotten by those lucky enough to have known him".
|
|
|
|
Post by lordb on Feb 21, 2012 12:08:38 GMT
RIP
|
|
|
|
Post by Arthurdollar on Feb 21, 2012 13:03:43 GMT
Yes RIP James and my condolences to your brother Julian and your kids and the rest of your family and friends. His funeral was conducted in Stoke this morning.
|
|
|
|
Post by tazi on Feb 21, 2012 14:13:08 GMT
Fcuking gutted for him, his family and that Stoke lost those two matches that he went to see despite being extremely poorly. I hope TP uses this in his team-talk against Liverpool to enable James to watch in spirit his beloved Stoke back at wembley... RIP...  |
|
|
|
Post by johnsmithsupper on Feb 21, 2012 14:32:35 GMT
I knew he was poorly, and had a terminal illness and we sat in block 8 a couple of seats away from each other.
He and my father battled these illnesses together giving one another a pep talk and a handshake each home game. He always gave my mum a kiss at the game as well, a true gentleman.
My dad succumbed last July and he thought the world of James and was deeply saddened he also began to feel poorly. I am just sorry I didn't know about the death and funeral until today.
RIP James bloody tragic
|
|
|
|
Post by spuddymagoo on Feb 21, 2012 14:43:45 GMT
This news has really upset me I have to say.
I only knew James from sitting next to him and his family and Nick Hancock for a few seasons before the premier league, and as I haven't been since then I had no idea he was ill!
I could never say that James was a friend, but he was someone I knew, he was always happy, always laughing and always very pleasant. I have had more than the odd beer with him after a game in the bar, or at half time.
This is a big shock for me, even if he wasn't that close. I wish his family peace and my best wishes and condolences to all that new him and have been affected by this sad news.
RIP
Spud.
|
|
|
|
Post by johnsollom on Feb 21, 2012 14:50:21 GMT
i have known james and his dacd for many years when i booked my first holiday throught them deeply sadened
|
|
|
|
Post by Arthurdollar on Feb 21, 2012 14:50:55 GMT
This news has really upset me I have to say. I only knew James from sitting next to him and his family and Nick Hancock for a few seasons before the premier league, and as I haven't been since then I had no idea he was ill! I could never say that James was a friend, but he was someone I knew, he was always happy, always laughing and always very pleasant. I have had more than the odd beer with him after a game in the bar, or at half time. This is a big shock for me, even if he wasn't that close. I wish his family peace and my best wishes and condolences to all that new him and have been affected by this sad news. RIP Spud. That was the nature of James only family and close friends knew he was terminally ill and he defied the odds for two years. |
|
|
|
Post by sufolkstokie on Feb 21, 2012 15:05:09 GMT
How very sad. He sounded like a top bloke to know. Sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
RIP
|
|
|
|
Post by stokietomo on Feb 21, 2012 15:13:04 GMT
Great bloke was James. I used to have lunch with him and Mike Macari in Fat Cats when I worked in town. Saw him in castle near the end of last year. How he has managed to stay so positive and calm through his struggle is beyond me. RIP mate!
|
|
|
|
Post by mark71 on Feb 21, 2012 15:20:44 GMT
Very sad.
I spoke to James at the Brighton game last season. I asked him how he was, He said "it's not good, All I want is to be able to walk up wembley way with my kids before I go"
Thankfully he got his wish, twice.
I spoke to James quite often at the Brit. usally during the early years. I've forgotten how many half time drinks extended into the second half and upto full time, the joys of binary football ;D
RIP James.
|
|
|
|
Post by gilberto on Feb 21, 2012 15:43:13 GMT
Used to work just opposite James up Hanley so saw him most days until he got ill. He'd always stop and have a natter about Stoke. I remember the day we signed Dave Kitson and he came into our shop to reassure us that he'd signed despite it not being announced, knew he'd got good info! Really sad that he's gone.
RIP James.
|
|
|
|
Post by adbrightonstokie on Feb 21, 2012 16:37:13 GMT
Had the pleasure of meeting him and his brother Julian, as well as their Dad Tom who knows his football and will often stop and talk(complain) about the game at half time, great commitment to the cause RIP James.
|
|
|
|
Post by 1863 on Feb 21, 2012 17:36:59 GMT
Saw James's name and feared the worst. Lovely, lovely lad, one of the very few gentlemen from a period when manners, grace and charm were sometimes lacking in some, but not all.
Remember he bought an enormous Cross of St George English flag from myself and took it to a World Cup he went to, don't think I'd seen him for many years an was unaware of the ordeal this relatively young man has been through. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Thanks for the op for letting us know, and I'm sorry to sound pedantic, but as it's the memory of very well respected Stoke fan, could you amend the thread to show proper respect to the memory of James Bartlam, the correct spelling of his name.
Many thanks
Harry Wise
|
|
|
|
Post by Stokie Mcpot on Feb 21, 2012 17:41:13 GMT
RIP
Such an inspiration, I'm sure his memory will live on for a very long time with those who knew him well.
|
|
|
|
Post by penkvillepotter on Feb 21, 2012 17:56:47 GMT
Went to his Thanskgiving service yesterday. Hell of a turnout. I'm missing our Beehive post match debates already! He fought it well.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2012 18:32:40 GMT
Puts things into perspective, really. I,d like to say, even though I never knew the fellow, how sorry I am to hear this, my sincere condolences to his family and everyone who knew him.
|
|
|
|
Post by europeantour on Feb 21, 2012 20:44:34 GMT
Woody who does the away coaches was visiting his wife Nikki and was talking to a nurse outside her room when a voice came over and said woody how are u doing it was James who was actually in the room right opposite. When he found out how ill woodys wife was he always asked after and was always concerned for her. After Nikki had sadly passed away James would still inquire how she was not knowing the truth as Woody has told me if James had known what had happened he would not have been thinking of himself but he would have been so gutted for Woody. That was the measure of this man and at his thanksgiving service yesterday i thought it summed James up perfectly. To Julian, Sarah and Nick Hancock you should all be very proud of yourselves for yesterday not only for the service but i also noticed the time that you gave to Woody as soon as you saw him all of you went right to him. I know how upsetting it was for him being so close to his wife's funeral but yesterday you were fantastic not only coping with your own grief but helping someone else with his.
|
|
|
|
Post by madasasnake on Feb 21, 2012 21:02:07 GMT
James,
I never knew you but from all of the comments posted, you sound like the sort of guy who I would have liked to have known.
Rip.
I'm delighted you got walk down Wembley Way with your kids - but it would be far better if we had been relegated and you were still here.
As many on here would do well to remember; no matter how fiery our passion, it really is only a game.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2012 21:17:55 GMT
Is this the fella with brown, curly/wavy hair that had the Travel Agents in Piccadilly Arcade?? ???
|
|
|
|
Post by sheltonpotter on Feb 21, 2012 21:43:49 GMT
A truly remarkably gentleman who will be sorely missed R.I.P James
|
|
|
|
Post by johnsmithsupper on Feb 21, 2012 21:47:49 GMT
Is this the fella with brown, curly/wavy hair that had the Travel Agents in Piccadilly Arcade?? ??? Correct |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2012 21:53:27 GMT
Is this the fella with brown, curly/wavy hair that had the Travel Agents in Piccadilly Arcade?? ??? Correct Jesus wept!! I didn't know him but knew of him, seemed like a top bloke. RIP James. |
|
Delboy
Youth Player
"what a 42 carrot plonker"
Posts: 488
|
Post by Delboy on Feb 21, 2012 22:32:16 GMT
RIP James, he was a great bloke who certainly had a great passion for stoke.
|
|
|
|
Post by vickyground on Feb 21, 2012 23:02:49 GMT
Saw James's name and feared the worst. Lovely, lovely lad, one of the very few gentlemen from a period when manners, grace and charm were sometimes lacking in some, but not all. Remember he bought an enormous Cross of St George English flag from myself and took it to a World Cup he went to, don't think I'd seen him for many years an was unaware of the ordeal this relatively young man has been through. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Thanks for the op for letting us know, and I'm sorry to sound pedantic, but as it's the memory of very well respected Stoke fan, could you amend the thread to show proper respect to the memory of James Bartlam, the correct spelling of his name. Many thanks Harry Wise I must apologize for the mistake and I have amended this. I never met James or anything like that, but Lou's words really touched me as have the lovely words from all of his friends. I feel that I wish that I had known him, he was obviously a lovely man. Again, sincere condolence's to his family and friends. |
|
|
|
Post by PixiePotter on Feb 22, 2012 18:31:52 GMT
Very sad, was known by many it seems.
RIP James.
|
|
|
|
Post by kidderskunk on Feb 22, 2012 18:42:44 GMT
RIP James. Shocked to learn of this today. A true gent.
|
|
|
|
Post by Fred Ferret on Feb 22, 2012 18:52:38 GMT
James must have been one hell of a decent guy judging by the strength of feeling on this thread.
So pleased that he got his Wembley wish twofold. RIP Stokie gentleman.
|
|
