Michael James, born 19 February 1954, much loved son of the late Howard and Betty James and brother of Richard, was found dead in his home in Norwich on 24 January 2024.
Michael was educated at Latymer Upper School, from there gaining an exhibition to read English at Magdalene College, Cambridge. He had a lifelong love of the arts, especially drama, literature and poetry, and decided on a career in teaching, enabling him to share his passion with two generations of young people.
He taught for several years at Brentwood School, including a year on a teacher exchange in Boston, an exciting and rewarding experience for him, and then at Norwich School, where he became Head of Drama. From talking to some of his former colleagues and pupils it’s clear he was held in great respect throughout the school community. However, he became increasingly frustrated with what was happening in education, where the focus had become purely on exam results rather than educating the whole child, and was more than happy to retire at the age of 60 in 2014.
Tragically, his last years seem to have been blighted by physical and mental health problems. He was no longer able to visit his beloved Paris, which had become almost a second home to him, and it appears he gradually withdrew into himself, cutting off contact with family, friends and neighbours.
Michael will be remembered by many as a caring and inspirational teacher whose influence, like that of all great teachers, will live on down the generations. He will be much missed, especially by his brother.
Chess with Richard 