Over £1.7k raised after death of Lincoln man with “cheekiest of smiles”

Over £1,700 has been raised in memory of a much-loved Lincoln man who sadly took his own life last week.

Tributes from heartbroken family and friends poured in for 24-year-old James Brown after his death last Thursday.

James was described as a “gentleman, very loving and caring, always wanting to help people” by his brother Jonny Jessimer-Brown, and his death has left several people in the local community in shock.

Another family member, Lauren Jessimer-Brown, set up a GoFundMe page entitled ‘The James Effect’ for a man with the “cheekiest of smiles”, saying “we are devastated as a family”. At the time of writing it has raised £1,730.

Lauren set up the page because she had a lot of messages from friends of James wanting to give him the send off he deserves.

In response to the donations so far, she said: “Such an amazing start for James’ send off! He was so loved by so many and such a well thought of lad! Our cheeky chappy with the most contagious laugh!”

James previously worked at Gere Menswear, who closed for the day on Friday, November 22 “as a mark of respect and in order to take some time to absorb yesterday’s (Thursday’s) terribly sad news”.

Gere Menswear, where James previously worked, posted this tribute.

One of James’ former colleagues, at ScS, contacted The Lincolnite saying James had been a member of their team for the last three months and that they were “truly devastated to have lost him”.

Inspirational person

Several people have left tributes and memories to James on his Facebook and on the fundraising page.

Belinda Hall said: “James you were a truly inspirational person and I am so pleased I had the pleasure to have met you. You will be sorely missed by everyone at The Cardinals Hat, all the staff past and present and all the regulars and friends you had in there. Rest in peace buddy.”

Martin & Sue Gray said: “Watched James grow up to a fine gentleman following a few set backs along the way. Always polite and will be sadly missed, rest in peace young man.”

James Britt said: “James was a really good guy, he motivated and inspired many people. He was one of the most confident, funny, life of the party people I know. Him, his laugh and smile will be missed at pre drinks until the end of time. You’ve found your peace big lad.”

Police were called to Boultham Park in Lincoln on Thursday. The park was temporarily closed off and officers said they were not treating the death as suspicious.

Police at the scene after a body was found in Boultham Park. Photo: Connor Creaghan for The Lincolnite

 To find out more about the support available from the Samaritans charity, click here, or call 116 123.