Shock over sudden death of councillor
TRIBUTES have been paid to a town councillorwho passed away suddenly on Monday night.
Cllr James Box was elected to WokinghamTown Council last year and served onWescott ward – the first such representative for the Labour party in that seat.
He has a wife and two young children.
He worked as a senior engineer for a company inWinnersh and was a regular sight at community activities including litter picks and participating in the Norreys andWescott NAG (Neighbourhood Action Group).
Elected last May forWescott ward, he was one of a number of younger faces to join the town council.
WokinghamTown Council said in a statement that he was very committed to his responsibilities as a Councillor, keen to learn about what the council does and how he could help shape new ideas together with preserving its traditions and heritage.
Cllr Box served on the Amenities and Civic Committees togetherwith the StrategyWorking Party and represented the Council at WokinghamTheatre.
There was also praise for his considered input and support for events such as Heritage Day, and ensuring that parks and other open spaces offered positive experiences for residents.
Wokingham Town Mayor Cllr Tony Lack felt that Cllr Boxwas both respected and well-liked by his councillor colleagues and council officers, and, on behalf of the town council, wanted to offer condolences to hiswife Lynn, their two daughters and family.
He said: “In the short time he was a Councillor James showed how much he cared for our community and wanted to make a difference through his role as a Councillor.
“He was enthusiastic and keen to work with all his colleagues and we will miss his contribution. A life cut too short and our thoughts and condolences go to all his family.”
This view was echoed by Cllr Abby Tebboth, the Labour group leader onWokinghamTown Council.
She said: “James was a dedicated friend and colleague, whose energy and enthusiasm to serve his residents was evident to all who knew him.
“His commitment and passion was truly remarkable, and we will miss him greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.”
And Conservative group leader Cllr Daniel Hinton said: “I joined the council at the same time as James and we were both new to local government.
“I always found him a very focused outgoing person who felt the responsibility for his position extremely strongly. I was lucky where I didn’t know too many of the new councillors myself and James had a link through our wives who lived next door to each other growing up.
“The fact he was the first-ever Labour candidate to win a seat in Wescott shows how focused and well he ran his campaign, and this is a huge credit to him.
“Once elected it was clear that he wanted to ensure the very best for the residents who put him there. I personally admired his passion and the forethought James put into each discussion.
“He was extremely proud to be a councillor and you could see that every time he came to full council or put on his robes.
“The thoughts and deepest condolences of my wife, the town Conservative party and I arewith his wife, daughters and his friends and colleagues. James’ enthusiasm and drive will be sadlymissed.”
Another tribute was paid by Cllr Andy Croy, the chairman of the WokinghamLabour Party and leader of the party on the borough council.
Cllr Andy Croy, the chair of Wokingham constituency Labour party and leader of the Labour group on Wokingham Borough Council, said: “On Monday night, our friend and comrade, Councillor James Box, suddenly and unexpectedly passed away.
“He was loved and respected for who he was. Caring, principled, full of energy andwith a zest for life that lifted those around him.
“The loss felt by (his wife) Lynne and the children must be unbearable.”
He continued: “James was a town councillor for Wescott West ward of Wokingham Town Council and was the first Labour councillor at any level to be elected in Wescott – a remarkable achievement.
“As a local party, we will also remember him for his boundless enthusiasm, energy and love of door knocking. There was no weather too foul or night too dark that would put James off in his insatiable drive to talk to – and listen to – residents.
“It is a testament to his hardwork, determination and drive to succeed that his election defied the national political swing that occurred the same day. He earned his place in Council by sheer hard work. He was a hero to us.
“We were all so proud of James and his achievements. We hope his family can take a tiny crumb of comfort to knowthatwe all held him such high regard.
“We also know that he loved and doted on his family and our thoughts are with them.”
As a mark of respect, a minute’s silence was held at the town council’s Amenities Committee meeting on Tuesday and the House Flag was flown at half-mast on the town hall yesterday.
And a book of remembrance is open to contributions from all those who knewMr Box.
To leave a message, visit: www.wokinghamlabourparty.org/ news/councillor-james-box