PCSO Julia James: Son leads tributes at community officer's funeral

The son of a community police officer killed walking near her home described her as "the most amazing woman" as he led tributes at her funeral.

Julia James, 53, was found dead in woodland near Dover, Kent, in April, leading to a large police investigation.

Hundreds of people had lined the streets as her funeral cortege made its way to Canterbury Cathedral.

Patrick Davis told the service of his mother's "positivity, love and warmth".

"She had the most infectious laugh and a huge heart and I am so pleased I had the pleasure of calling her my mother," he said.

Mr Davis said his mother was "the most amazing woman, who would go to the end of the earth to help anyone".

Daughter Bethan Coles read a poem at the service in an emotional tribute to her mother.

Temporary Det Supt Gavin Moss said Ms James was a "truly caring, wonderful public servant and person" who "always showed Kent Police in its finest light".

"Her passion, dedication and commitment, along with her friendly, bubbly personality that defined her, was evident from day one and right through her career," he told the service.

Ms James's police hat was placed on top of her coffin before it was carried into the cathedral.

Cousin and "best friend" Tammy Winstone said Ms James had the "most wicked and naughty sense of humour and always left you with a smile," and "could be feisty when she was younger and defended her family and friends with a passion".

While she "lost her feistiness as she got older, she certainly wasn't a push over".

She said Ms James had been "at the peak of happiness and health" before her death, thanks to her relationship with husband Paul.

"The smile you see in recent photos was because of this wonderful man she loved whole-heartedly," she said.

Fr Jeff Cridland, who conducted the service, said Ms James had been "one of the flowers of Aylesham".

"Our job this morning is to be proud of Julia," he added. "Sad to be sending her now, but proud of her and loving her to the depth of our being."

Flags were flown at half-mast in her memory at public buildings in Kent, including council offices and police stations.

Meanwhile, police officers performed a guard of honour as the hearse passed Canterbury police station.

Earlier, Ms James's daughter Bethan Coles said it "would be lovely to see the community come together once more".

"If you wish to gather in the Market Square or line the streets for a final farewell please do so," she wrote on Facebook.

Donna Monger, one of those who joined mourners in Aylesham, said: "It's so sad, she was such a lovely girl.

"We just wanted to pay our respect and it's nice that all the village have come together."

David Prime said he had come to pay his respects to a "very nice lady, [who] took care of the community".

"I'm very sad to see her go, [I'm] a bit choked up."

Ms James, who had worked for Kent Police since 2008, died from serious head injuries. Her Jack Russell dog Toby was found unharmed at her side.

Large numbers of police officers spent hours combing fields in the local area and appealing for witnesses.

Detectives also created a reconstruction of Ms James's last known movements, featuring her dog Toby and an actress wearing identical clothing.

Callum Wheeler, 21, from Aylesham, has been charged with Ms James's murder. He will face trial on 29 November.

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