‘He was full of joy’

LOVING birthday tributes have been paid to a Gainsborough schoolboy who died tragically in September.

Callum James died aged 11 on Tuesday 6th September, before he was due to start school at Trent Valley Academy.

The former Charles Baines Primary School pupil would have turned 12 on Thursday 8th December.

Callum suffered from autism and ADHD, but is remembered as being ‘full of love, joy and energy’.

His parents Martin and Pauline James from Woodfield Road, Gainsborough said that he was ‘one of a kind’.

“Callum filled our lives with joy and emotion,” said Martin

“He was all all-round energetic soul, and losing him was devastating, It feels like a part of us is missing and we’ll never get that back, but he will live on with us.”

“There were ups and downs, and he didn’t always cope well with his condition and would get frustrated, but he used to make me laugh when I was telling him off because he was so persistent and full of life.”

Martin continued: “If he’d done something wrong he’d always come back and say ‘I love you and I’m sorry’ - he was always hugging and was a very loving little boy.”

Now, the James family will never be the same without him.

“He was such a massive part of our lives,” said Martin.

“I even found joy in the painful times when he was being a terror. If he would break something I got an insight into how to fix it and we grew closer, and I’ll miss those times.”

Callum’s mother Pauline went on: “Life is so different without him. Before there was blissful chaos, and now it’s just so quiet. We miss him so much.”

She added: “He was like a sponge for knowledge and just a very curious lad. At the same time, he never stayed still and was a very energetic child.”

Staff and pupils from Charles Baines Community Primary School in Gainsborough have also paid tribute to young Callum on his birthday.

“Callum will be remembered for his natural sporting talent and his uncanny ability to recall scientific facts that sparked many a discussion in lessons,” said year 6 teacher Mr Gaff.

A school spokesman added: “Callum will always be remembered as ‘a lovable rogue with an infectious smile’.”

The James family would like to thank their family, friends and the staff and teachers at Charles Baines School for their support, as well as the Gainsborough and District Darts League, Cliff Bradley and Sons funeral directors and the New Life Christian Fellowship Church.

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