"We were so proud of your bravery for wanting to be free from the...chaos..."

Tuesday 04 October 2016

The family of a Jersey man who died while fighting hard to overcome his drugs habit have paid a moving tribute to the man they describe as, "...caring, kind and gentle..."

Police found Jamie Robert John (43) at his flat in Devonshire Place on 25 February this year, just weeks after his birthday; because of the condition of his body, the pathologist was unable to work out the cause of death, or exactly when he had died.

The Inquest concluded that Jamie had died between four and six weeks before being found. When Police entered his flat they found his birthday cards unopened on the doormat. 

Today his family, led by his sister Sophie, have issued the following tribute to a man who they don't believe should labelled as a 'drug addict', but who was actually a, "...caring, kind and gentle son, grandson, brother, nephew and grandson:"

 "Rather than a label that you were brave enough to try and escape from, we will always remember you as a caring, kind and gentle Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew and Grandson.....

"Where the happiest days of your life began surfing down at St Ouen's ....and your nights began at The Inn on the Park...dancing and making your favourite memories, with lifetime friends......who all remember how you were gentle, caring and one of a kind!

"Your shyness.....cringing when Mum used to constantly get asked..."Are you Jamie John's mum??.....ooohhh...he's beautiful....all the girls fancy him!".....

"The son, who said our 'Mum was the most beautiful person he knew'.....two peas in a pod, so alike in so many ways.....a bond of best friends....throughout thick and thin....unbreakable!

"You said you spent the year looking forward to Mum's fantastic Christmas dinners....and you used to drive her bonkers by turning the oven up so it would cook quicker!!!.....

"Throughout mistakes and poor choices....the Son who could be honest with his family, and during the darker times, was loved unconditionally, which I know you always knew.

"Our older brother, who was always so proud of his little sisters....protecting and showing strength, even in your own times of struggle. I will treasure the time we spent together, when you were at my side during the hardest time of my life! You felt unwell, yet put my needs before your own, and shared your stories of back in the good days, the best days of your life. 

"The Grandson who lived next door to our wonderful Pops....you took his bets to the bookies, made endless sandwiches for you both, Pops often comments on how you were a good cook!....I know you would chuckle at this, as sandwiches and omelettes were as far as your culinary skills went! 

"After all these years, Pops says you were his mate, both watching football together in your dressing gowns and slippers, you shared years of good times.

"We were so proud of your bravery for wanting to be free from the destruction and chaos that addiction brought into our lives....you chose to travel a journey that was not alway easy, then you began to search for peace.

"Although times were't always easy....the struggles have taught us empathy and compassion and acceptance...therefore, but for the grace of God go I.....

"Heartfelt thanks to all of you who expressed such love and compassion towards Jamie and his family. If one suffers, then we all do, and for Jamie, thank God that you have risen above all this....

"May the roads rise up to meet you, The wind be always at your back, the sun shine gentle on your face, and may God keep you safe in the palm of his hand."

"Wish we had've been there to hold yours, but know you're now in a better place.....Eternal peace to you, 

 "Mum, and all your family xxx

"Sophie, Jenny, Dad, Pops xxx"

The following photos are reproduced  with the kind permission of Jamie's family: