A service to celebrate the life of former Army and then police officer James Langton Way will be held at Thanet Crematorium on Friday (May 4).
James passed away at the QEQM hospital on April 12, aged 66.
Although born in South Africa he came to live in England when he was just five and was always fiercely loyal to this country and to serving the community.
He served as an officer in the British Army and then as a police officer with the City of London police.
Later, he worked to help his neighbours at the Barbican where he lived and where he was made a Freeman of the City of London. He became a councillor for the totally independent City of London council.
James met wife Liz some 20 year ago and in 2004 the couple moved to Broadstairs.
Their seafront home was uniquely eccentric with a collection of 200 clowns and 100 china Great Danes.
In 1999 the couple set up a ‘dog hotel’ at their home and James became a familiar sight, sitting on the patio with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, with dogs lolling in the doorway.
Liz said: “It was where we could greet friends and even strangers on a daily basis and be in the real hub of what Broadstairs stands for, enjoying those glorious sunrises, the views over Viking Bay and the ‘village community’ that James loved so much.
“This was his greatest joy. So many people have said “that corner of Broadstairs will never be the same now he has gone.”
The service takes place at 3.15pm at Thanet Crematorium. It is to be a celebration of James’ life so people are requested to wear colourful attire
Donations can be made to the Global Generation Church in Margate c/o Gore Brothers, Broadstairs as a contribution to their Aspire programme to help the homeless in Thanet.
James will be sorely missed by Liz, his family and all his friends.