James Michael Bedforth (20 Aug 1963 - 30 Jun 2015)

It is with great sadness that I came across this notice of James’s death. I taught him Physics at Giggleswick School where we talked about flying during his formative school days. Through the years I’ve quietly watch his career from afar but sadly lost touch upon retiring to Sheffield.

My condolences to his family.

A sad loss of an old school friend. We had many a discussion of his dreams of flying.
My sincere condolences to the family.

Peter Burn

Carr House 82

Lucky to have flown with James on a few trips, and shared some beers too.
Great guy and sadly missed.

I was on the University Air Squadron with James, the year below him. He was one of the larger than life characters who welcomed us new boys, and we shared much fun and misbehaviour over a couple of years. He started his civil flying career and I joined the RAF. Some twelve years later I joined British Airways, and it was a real joy to run into him again in the Compass Centre, me the new boy, him resplendent with Concorde badge on his shirt pocket. I expressed my admiration and awe at the aircraft he was flying, and he kindly did the same about the aeroplanes I had flown in the RAF.

He later became a trainer on the 777, and we did a few simulators and flights together. As we all know, he was an outstanding trainer, mentor and pilot. We discovered we lived quite near each other, first in Bedfordshire, and then in Derbyshire (I wasn't stalking him, honest!) and made numerous plans to meet up for a beer. To my regret, we never quite got around to it. I will miss his wit, warmth and irreverence. See you next time, James, for some more ale and aviation related misdeeds.

I was on the University Air Squadron with James, the year below him. He was one of the larger than life characters who welcomed us new boys, and we shared much fun and misbehaviour over a couple of years. He started his civil flying career and I joined the RAF. Some twelve years later I joined British Airways, and it was a real joy to run into him again in the Compass Centre, me the new boy, him resplendent with Concorde badge on his shirt pocket. I expressed my admiration and awe at the aircraft he was flying, and he kindly did the same about the aeroplanes I had flown in the RAF.

He later became a trainer on the 777, and we did a few simulators and flights together. As we all know, he was an outstanding trainer, mentor and pilot. We discovered we lived quite near each other, first in Bedfordshire, and then in Derbyshire (I wasn't stalking him, honest!) and made numerous plans to meet up for a beer. To my regret, we never quite got around to it. I will miss his wit, warmth and irreverence. See you next time, James, for some more ale and aviation related misdeeds.

A true friend and highly respected colleague. RIP James. Sincerest condolences to Cathy and the rest of James's family.

James was a true professional, a good friend .... and a thoroughly nice bloke! He is and will continue to be sorely missed.

Uncle James, no words can describe how much you're going to be missed by not only me but the whole Fisher family.
To say you're loved is an understatement.
You lived an amazing life even though it was cut far too short, and you're an amazing role model for all your neices and newphews.
Not a day goes past where I'm not thinking of you.
Fly high.

James - not sure how we will ever get over losing such a special friend so suddenly. We have very treasured memories of times spent together, always laughing together the four of us and seeing the funny side of life. We miss you immensely already but will continue to support Cathy and make sure life can be good once again. Big hugs old friend, Andrew and Julie xxxx

Thanks for welcoming me to BA and being supportive during my first few months with the company.
I've followed your career from afar and greatly admire what you achieved and how well liked and respected you were. You were taken away from this life far too early and will be missed by your family, friends and colleagues! R.I.P. James

We will always miss you James. For being a great guy, a great work colleague, but above all for being a true friend.

Sincerest condolences Cathy to you and all the family.

Rest in peace James. You will never be forgotten.

Rich & Sarah

James will be greatly missed. Clearly like so many others I greatly admired him; he did so much so well...and in such a fun way.

James will be greatly missed. Clearly like so many others I greatly admired him; he did so much so well...and in such a fun way.

We will all miss your love of life. A lovely man and a professional pilot.

I am still finding it very difficult to come to terms with James passing. I had the honour of knowing him for 16 years and during that time he was a staunch friend, a well-respected flying colleague, an irrepresible source of wit and humour, a connoisseur of real ale, and beyond all that, one of life's thoroughly nice people.

The world in general, and the people who knew you in particular, is sadder no you've gone.

Be at peace.

James was one of the best trainers I have ever come across in my aviation career. Not only that, he was a true a gentleman and always a pleasure to be with no matter what the occasion. He will be very much missed by us all.
My sincere and heart felt condolences go to all his family, friends and colleagues.

Razorfight. You befriended me when I came down from Scotland to Elstree and certainly taught me how to drink beer quickly, but I could never keep up. I still blame you for my spot lights being snapped off my car during that wild party at Elstree (it was your party after all!). Thank you for my "special" Concorde experience. Wish you were still around Matey x

Dear Cathy & Family,

No words of mine could adequately convey the sense of loss that you all must be feeling right now.

The heartfelt sentiments that have been expressed, will hopefully help you through these difficult times.

James was a work colleague, but more importantly a friend.

He would always help, whatever the issue, taking time to making you feel valued. He worked tirelessly to make things safer & better.

An absolute gentleman in the truest sense of the word.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

My thoughts are with you today.

My sincere condolences to Cathy, family and friends of James.

I am still in utter disbelief and cannot get to grips yet with the fact that we have lost such a pivotal member of the 777/787 Training team. A role model, mentor, friend and gifted aviatior at British Airways and so much more amongst family and friends.

Sorry James, I cannot be present today but I am sure the service and farewell will be impressive. I will put in extra effort today and think of you in the simulator in which you passed on some of your excellent trainer skills to me.

Thank you James, you will be sorely missed by many. Rest in peace.

James was a true gentleman and the epitome of the professional aviator that we all aspire to be. Rest in peace James.