Obituary: Remembering Dorset paramedic Deborah James

Christchurch high street stood still on November 9, 2021, as a funeral procession made its way to the Christchurch Priory.

However, hundreds of strangers did not stand still to remember a public figure, they stood to remember a woman who dedicated her life to care for and save the lives of others across Dorset.

Deborah Anne James was born on April 30, 1957, in Barton on Sea to Dennis and Kath Griffiths as one of seven children.

In her early childhood, Debs lived with her three sisters Denise, Sharon and Annie in one bedroom, while her three brothers Steven, Micky and Bobby occupied another room in their three-bedroom house in Everest Road, Somerford.

From regular pillow fights to Debs singing into her hairbrush with a picture of David Essex on the wall, the house was constantly full of energy, with all occupants willing to share what little they had with other friends from the neighbourhood.

Debs spent many hours with her family down Stanpit Marsh where she would lead the way by picking wild flowers, feathers and blackberries. She also made costumes with her sisters and friends for the Christchurch Carnival – where they were often awarded first prize for their efforts.

From Christchurch to Boscombe, to Scotland and then back to Mudeford, Debs had many jobs. However, it was while working in a hospital laundry department that she would set her life’s work on course.

After one day telling her manager that she did not wish to work in the laundry department anyone, Debs’ manager asked her what she would like to do. After looking out the window and seeing an ambulance, she replied “that”.

She would ultimately excel as a paramedic, serving the NHS for 34 years across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area. A familiar face in the community, Debs was one of the driving forces behind Bournemouth's Safe Bus in Horseshoe Common providing care with several colleagues.

She also worked throughout the toughest periods of the Covid-19 pandemic, caring for sick people in their homes.

Outside of work, Debs would regularly walk from Mudeford to Christchurch on the same route she took as a child to have a cup of coffee in the Regent Centre. Her husband Ray recalled she would say, “I’m not going to drink that muck from those other coffee chains, I will support my local centre.”

Of his wife, Raymond James said: “She was the most kindest and caring person you could ever wish to meet. She touched so many hearts with her beautiful way.”

Deborah fought bravely with cancer in her later life and died on October 18, 2021, at the age of 64.

Prior to her passing, Ray and Debs were due to visit Albuquerque, New Mexico for their honeymoon as they had friends who lived there. The son of their friends is a police officer in New Mexico. In a tribute to Debs as a fellow emergency service worker from across the pond, the son arranged for a police, fire and paramedic vehicle procession on the streets of New Mexico.

Her funeral was held on November 9 and was attended by approximately 700 people. Members of the ambulance service, Dorset Police and others took part in a procession that closed the high street, giving a much deserved send off to someone who made the community a better place.

Visit youtu.be/6Ocvafl5mh8 to see the procession.

Deborah’s eight-year-old nephew Tommy will also pay tribute to his aunt, by completing a walk of remembrance with school friends from Burton School to Burton Green.

Deborah James is survived by her husband Ray, her sons Tony and Thomas and her six grandchildren Abigail, Lily, James, Harry, Sophie, and Louis.