James brought his marvellous (and wicked!) sense of humour and youthful energy to our B2B office team, back in the 2000s. We remember his excitement at planning his holiday travels and his heading off for evening runs to enjoy life to the full in London. It was a very happy time and he will forever be an important part of our fond memories of tha...more

I was desperately saddened to hear about the passing of dear James. Having worked with him for a short period when he was assigned to Shell Expro in Aberdeen and can still vividly recall the positive impact he had on myself and the the rest of the HR team. Charismatic, personable, extremely intelligent and insightful, it was clear that James had gr...more

James, we first met when you moved to Aberdeen. I had just joined and I remember a sunny day in a beer garden we were with the other grads that I had joined. They were bombarding me with questions about HR and their various gripes in the joining the process, you stepped in and reminded people I had just joined, that it wasn’t fair to be expecting...more

My deepest condolences to all of James' loved ones. I worked with James on the Upstream Finance Leadership Team. He was always sharp, bright and would not hesitate to call out anything that he did not believe was the "right thing". He managed to always combine this with whit and charm to smooth the sometimes hard messages that needed to be sai...more

James, It was a privilege and joy to have had you in our lives. I will never forget you constantly reminding me that the groom needs to take off his jacket so that everyone else can start partying! Gone too soon my friend, your friendship will forever be missed. Rest In Peace. Ramesh, Nicola and family James, It was a privilege and joy to hav...more

I knew James from the Finance HR team. He was my line manager for awhile, during a difficult personal time for me, and demonstrated thoughtfulness, care and compassion. He knew when to listen and when to ask questions. I, too, remember some fun social events like a murder mystery dinner or just enjoying a drink and chatting. I’ll miss his wit, humo...more

It was a shock to hear the news of James passing away. As part of the Trading FLT, we had some very interesting and intellectual debates. I also went through a training program with James where he demonstrated what it truly meant to have a learner mindset. We had some good laughs as well along the way... My deepest condolences to the family and may...more

James was my Boss in Calgary, AB when he worked in Upstream Americas. He was great to work and I very much enjoyed our time together. We became friends outside of work and enjoyed many laughs and get togethers over the years. I want to share a funny story; we were going to a meeting across the street in another building. There was a revolving door ...more

I have known James as a community member in the Learning space, but never worked directly with him in the same team. And yet, I remember him fondly. James was the type of person who, in a project meeting, would make everyone feel their opinion mattered, and who would light up the meeting with a joke or two. I cannot imagine anyone would not enjoy w...more

Such very sad news to read of your passing James. An all round nice guy taken way too soon. Your cheerfulness, energy and positivity - always present in meetings no matter the challenging topic - will be missed by those around you. Sending love and strength in these difficult times to your family and loved ones.

James, shocked to hear the terrible news. I know you as a person full of energy, who is both personable and professional and is driven by willing to the right thing for the people around you. Thank you for all you have done and the passion you brought. You will always remain near. My best wishes to your family and friends Friso

James, from one terribly reserved Brit to another... deeply saddened to hear that you’re gone. We connected so many times during our time at Shell: young grad days, P&T (when Jack sent you over to Thornton to figure out whether we knew what we were doing... we didn’t, but you and I used the opportunity to put the world to rights over wine anyway!) ...more

James, I wish I did not have to write this as it makes it real and I would prefer seeing your smile as you walk into the office with your bag in a bag in a bag on one of your many unannounced trips to the Hague. I can actually still remember the first time we met…it was virtual, you had joined a team meeting and dropped me a private note that st...more

So shocked and saddened to hear this. It has been a while since we've worked together, and it seems hard to believe that we won't have the opportunity to do so again. Working with James was always a pleasure; pragmatic, sharp, energetic & enthusiastic, with a great sense of humour - All the qualities you'd want in a colleague. I hope the family...more

It was Paul Hauff who was the first in Shell to spot the talent and potential of James. He decided to hire James into Shell in London as part of his HR team. Paul continued to sponsor James throughout his career and used his network to support James. I met James through Paul when he moved to Shell Expro in Aberdeen, this was during the EP Europe ...more

I was very sad to hear about James passing. He will be sorely missed by so many colleagues in Shell I will remember him as someone with bounds of energy and enthusiasm - bright, sharp, warm and a great sense of humour. My thoughts are with his parents, Michael and Kate, his sister Julia, Sandra and his daughter Elena. Rest in peace. David

I was so sorry to hear the news and my thoughts are with James's family. I had the pleasure of working with James for a couple of years and there were many things that I could list that made that so, not least his pragmatism, care for people and drive to make things better. But maybe the thing that I remember him most for is that he always made m...more

Dear James, It is still with great disbelieve I am writing this message. You have left the world way too soon. I am thankful for having had the opportunity to work with you and get to know you. I always appreciated our conversations, your coaching and guidance, and the many jokes you made. Your smart mind, incredible ability to keep your head coo...more

Dear James, I struggle to find the words, almost afraid that by writing it down it makes it final. I don’t want to say goodbye, you were never meant to go this soon. You are, and forever will be, dear to me – someone who’s great friendship with both me and Oscar was one exemplified by kindness, care, warmth, togetherness but most of all laughte...more

I keep the very good memories of a smart and joyful guy who always had time for those who sought his support. It was a privilege to have met and worked with such James.

James, I am so saddened to hear that you have left us. You were my first supervisor in Calgary and I will always remember your quick wit and brilliance. I recall numerous times where you fully empowered me and pushed me beyond my limits and I am so thankful for that. You were and will continue to be a huge influence in my life. I am most gratefu...more

James and I interacted during his time with the Finance HR team, during his visits to the Netherlands, and often chatted when he came into the office I share with Heike (usually to look for her). He was one of the people along the corridor I was always happy to see, whose sense of humour and sharp mind were always in evidence, and who cared deeply...more

I knew James very briefly - when I was an HR Account Manager in P&T and based out of the Shell Technology Centre in Bangalore. James was Jack's business advisor then and I remember him as a pleasant, easy to work with colleague. Losing him, broadens the canvass of loss this year has visited upon us. Praying for his family and holding onto fond memo...more

I am so sorry to hear this heartbreaking news. My deepest condolences to all his loved ones. You will be missed by all of us so much. Your insights, your different perspectives and experiences, humour and contributions have made a lasting impact. Thank you for this. We will miss you. Rest in peace.

very sad to hear. James you were too good leave us so early "WHY", lots of professional and personal discussions we had and i always cherished talking to you. sending strength to your family. be in peace wherever you are.

I am so sorry for your loss. James was a warm and funny colleague, with excellent insights. As a twist I had the benefit of joining Shell to take over for Sandra in advance of her maternity leave and then followed behind James a few years later in LNG Canada. Through James and Sandra's time in Canada, we celebrated the birth of Elena. He was so i...more

James, It is strange you're not here anymore. I'm sure you're in a better place after the tough last months, but you are truly missed here. Working for you was great - I remember our catch ups, you always had great advice or even better yet - asked the right questions that made me pause and reflect before I go off running around again :) I will...more

I am very sad to hear this news today. I worked with James in Aberdeen and he was a great guy... always with a smile. I was fortunate to cross paths with James many times in the Hague/London during the past few years. My thoughts are with his family, Sandra and Elena. I hope reading this helps in some way to know how special James was to many peopl...more

James was an incredible colleague. I knew him for a very brief period of time. His energy was infectious and a great sense of humor. He always insisted the team go for lunch to the cafeteria instead of having them at our desk, whenever he visited. It is really hard to imagine that he is no more. May he rest in peace.

James, I'd like to believe you are now in a better place after an epic fight. That said, knowing you are no longer around and that we will now never have the catch up we were planning is hard. I will always remember our coffee and dinner conversations including walking the streets of London talking about life and then work. You were dedicated to th...more

Elena. I am a colleague of your father and spoke to him a number of times from Brunei where I work. I remember James as an extraordinary nice guy; these are in short supply in our business, and I am very sad about his passing and your loss. Take care in this difficult period.

Really sad to hear the news of James' passing. Such a kind-hearted person. He was always willing to take a call, lend a friendly ear to listen, share advice. He will be missed by many and his impact will be felt for years to come. My thoughts are with James' family during this difficult time.

I was so saddened to hear the news today. I remember James for his intelligence and wit. What a bright spark and I was glad to know him, however briefly. My thoughts are with Elena and Sandra. This time must be unimaginably difficult, but I hope you find comfort in the impact James had on so many.

I am deeply saddened by this news; we have lost a very warm and kind person. Years ago, I worked with James on a project and I remember his friendly professionalism. Always a smile and little chat when we bumped into each other in the corridor in more recent years. We will miss you James. My sincere condolences to his daughter, family and friends....more

i just cant believe you are no longer with us. i will miss everything about you :( your sense of humor, your intellect, your humanity, your tenacity, your perseverance. we are just a poorer bunch of people without you...i hope you have moved on to a much better place than the one you left us behind in....see you again one day...

Dear James, I still find it too difficult to believe that you're not longer with us. Reflecting on some memories I think of a few things. - Our conversation in 2011 in Rijswijk when I shared with you that I would go to Calgary and you didn't share (you being British) that there was a big change that we would see each other in a few weeks/months in ...more

Dear James, we will miss you. Be it your positive and effective approach to sometimes hairy matters, your witty but always insightful and to the point answers to difficult 'employment' questions in community calls, or your warm personality and ability to make time for people. It is a true privilege to have worked with you. Also on behalf of the ONE...more

I have missed you a lot, James, in the past months since you had to stop work. I miss a friend and colleague who was a sympathetic listener and who would invariably give me sound and to the point advice. I also miss your curiosity and your wit. I will remember you for all these things James, but most of all for your kindness, concern for others, al...more

James I first met you through Sandra in 2010 when she was working with me in Exploration. I remember hearing about you from others as this 'star' who was really heading for the top. When we talked it became clear why :-). Every conversation with you, whether a coffee, dinner or just bumping into each other in the corridor was rich with challenge, i...more

James, so sad to hear you left us. I keep warm memories of working together. I always thought you were such a nice and kind person. Rest in peace, Agnieszka

James, I simply cannot and do not want to believe you are no longer with us. You have left this world way too early. It is very difficult to find the right words, so I will not even try. You will be missed a lot. We have worked in the "global virtual office" in Hamburg and this was so much fun. I enjoyed our coffee chats which covered a wide range ...more

James, you brought a kind, caring perspective with sharp, honest insights and a great sense of humor to any conversation (including difficult ones). Your positive weekly messages always made me smile (eat more chocolate!). You will be missed. My thoughts are with your family.

Our deepest condolences to all James’ loved ones. When we think of James, automatically we start to smile. What an amazing gift you had for seeing the fun and humour in situations. What a sharp mind full of creative ideas. It’s hard to find words at the moment. Feels so unfair that you leave us so soon. When you moved to Canada, you left us with...more

Over the last couple of days, I’ve been reminiscing over the wonderful moments I remember of James! I still remember the first time I met James, during Stampede, in the Calgary Place building, over 9 years ago, where we shared a table for a HR townhall! Two years later, while sitting in the Calgary Research Center, I get a phone call from James, of...more

Dear James - I only knew you for a short time during our cross-over in Canada but you made a big impact! I remember sharing our love of Hockey, and you and Sandra introducing us to your favourite 'Monks head cheese' and you made the most delicious frozen nougat parfait dessert that we have never been able to replicate. Sending much love to all y...more

James, a true English gentleman but with a real punch. Thanks for letting me play good cop to your bad cop. I know you will be very missed by team members from across the globe. Rest in Peace

Before I joined the Finance HR team, I heard about you from many people. They all talked about you in superlatives and I was looking forward to working with you. I had a pleasure of meeting you during our team meeting in the Hague and will not forget the “induction” into the team, where you advised Jane and I not to take things too seriously. I lov...more

James, I often think about the great times I had at Shell and in particular the wonderful people I met. Our careers took us in different directions and it’s a long time since we spent time together. I wish we had managed to stay in touch. You are very special; such a fun, intelligent, humble and witty guy. I will never forget running with you (espe...more

James, So sad to hear you have passed, and so happy I got to know you a little bit along the way. I was always impressed in the early days of LNG Canada how you could be surrounded by ballistic hard driving personalities, and yet remain so calm and and empathetic in your interactions with every individual. As mentioned elsewhere here, always with...more

When I think of James I see him sitting in a wine bar in Den Haag, totally relaxed and smiling. And then laughing with the colleagues as we are sharing bizarre moments of our life as HR professionals. And somehow he had the gift to extend his relaxed manner to the ones he was talking to - in the wine bar but also via the phone. He was the bright, ...more

James! You left way too soon. It is so out of character, you were usually the first to the party and one of the last to leave. I only know this as we were often to be found somewhat tipsily cycling through the Hague from Heike’s house. From the first time we met when I was tasked with helping you “adjust” to the more robust environs of Aberdeen w...more

James It is still incredibly hard to believe you are no longer with us. You were my trusted partner in my Upstream Finance days - always thoughtful, with clear advice, correcting me where I was wrong - and always in such a nice and kind way. The last two times we talked was during a lunch just before Covid "lock-down" and then during a virtual cof...more

James Are paths crossed several times bumping into each other on many occasions in NL, training programmes and of course the social events!. I will always remember your infectious smile and how “That Smile” lit up a room together with your cheeky sense of humour. My thoughts are with all of your family and friends. We really have lost a true gentl...more

James, We had many brief interactions through the years but it wasn’t until I joined Heike’s Finance HR team in 2016 that I had the pleasure of working with you. It was here that I got to witness, be coached by and learn from that sharp intelligence (that so many rightly attest to). You brought so much perspective. Perspective to view challenges ...more

I have worked with James on migrating some processes to Manila. He was a great friend and colleague to work with- genuine in helping and learning with you. Not to mention James never fails to bring the fun and humor to try and de-stress the group! Without a doubt he is a man with a big heart who has touched many hearts with his wit and kindness. Re...more

We sat opposite to each other and shared the office with some other colleagues who had a "global HR role" at the Hamburg-Pentahof building. Very well remember the 'social events' with BBQ at my place and drinks at the pub. I very much enjoyed the interactions and brief chats with you, in particular have font memories of your outstanding British hum...more

James, I look back on 14 years together as colleagues and as friends. You were there when I was new to Shell and supported me to understand Aviation and later also talent. We laughed a lot together and I enjoyed our open, honest conversations. You were there on one of the most important days of my life - at Patrick's & my wedding. I look back on h...more

James, Our paths only crossed a few times in Shell but whenever they did and I saw that you were involved I always breathed a sigh of relief and smiled 😊 it was an effortless pleasure to work with you, I knew that we’d get the job done well with minimal nonsense, we’d have some fun along the way and then have a beer at the end to cap it all off. T...more

On behalf of Alison Henwood James – like so many others writing here, you made a positive impact on my life too. Your generosity with your wit, fierce intelligence, apparently effortless insight, and kindness. You gave freely your time and excellent thoughts. You gave of yourself and made things that you touched better. Thank you – I am v...more

On behalf of Ariën Ritskes Dear James, We only really started to get to know each other early 2019, when we started to work together as part of World Class Finance, as part of which you provided excellent support & advice to the Wave 4 roll-out in UAE and Oman, where I was working at the time. It was a great pleasure to work with you: you were pa...more

Dear James, reflecting on our years together in Upstream Finance with sadness and a smile. You were a great sparring partner - helping me to think ahead, improve results with the team, and make sure everyone felt included in your typical pragmatic style. The memories of who you were and how you worked will continue to inspire. My condolences to Ele...more

James, I remember your first day in Shell, some 14 years ago, as Heike introduced you around to the Aviation team in London. A young, energetic and eager Graduate, ready to make your mark. It became apparent very soon that you did indeed have something special, and that you would make a lasting impression on those you worked with. Sharp yet humble,...more

From Paul Hauff - Sad days come too soon and too often, none more so than the day I heard that James had died. From when he first joined our team in London as an “agency temp” (and thank goodness he did – he very quickly proved to be invaluable) we realised he was someone special. Intelligent, great fun, perceptive, learned quickly and found answ...more

Dear James, I remember vividly when Stuart Payne approached me about a vacancy in my team and told me we had to get this young grad up from London. We knew it wasn't going to be easy as so many other people wanted you in their team, but we invited you up with a clear plan to woo you to Aberdeen. From the first dinner, I was sold. You were smart...more