Tributes paid to 'excitable, smiley and imaginative' Worksop boy who passed away aged five

Little James Allbones was taken to Bassetlaw Hospital on Wednesday, March 2, where he sadly died soon afterward from causes that are currently unknown.

A big pirate and superhero fan who loved to dress up, James was laid to rest by his favourite characters when family members and Clive Hopkinson funeral directors donned superhero costumes for his funeral at Christ Church in Worksop.

His parents, Gemma Balandis and Andrew Allbones, paid tribute to their “lovely” little boy, who they said was much missed by his big brother and “best friend”, Daniel, along with his little sister, Emily.

Andrew said: “We say that if people could see the world through James’ eyes, it would be magnificent.

“He was excited about everything, the bounciest little boy you could ever meet.

“He had a vast imagination and loved reading. Dressing up was his thing.”

Gemma said: “Losing James was such a shock as he was so full of life.

“The littlest thing can set me off, but we keep going for our other children.

“We like to think that James is with his brother Luke, who was born sleeping in 2006.

“He was the loveliest little boy and is so missed.”

James attended Norbridge Academy and his parents said support they have received from the school after James’s passing had been “invaluable”.

Teachers and classmates recorded James’ favourite pirate song, The Day I went to Sea, which was played at his funeral.

Staff and pupils lined up at the front of the school to pay their respects and later met James’ family and friends at the Station Hotel to remember him. Plans to build a garden in memory of James at the school are now being drawn up.

Andrew said: “It will be a place where the children can sit and remember James, or just think about what’s on their mind. We really want his life to be celebrated.”

Gemma and Andrew would like to thank Clive Hopkinson Funeral Directors, Norbridge Academy and family and friends for their continued support.