Rally driver dies after island crash
Tributes to ‘a wonderful dad and husband’ as popular businessman fails to recover
TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular business owner who has died after a rally crash on the Isle of Man.
Mark James, who was 55, was involved in a single-vehicle crash on the morning of Saturday, November 10, as he took part in a rally event.
He was taken to Noble’s Hospital on the Isle of Man, before being flown to Aintree Hospital in Liverpool in a critical condition. He was then moved to Glangwili Hospital last Thursday but died on Monday morning.
His death has left a huge mark in the motorsport community and in Nantgaredig, where Mr James lived and worked.
He co-owned and ran N&A James, a crane hire and heavy haulage business.
He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
His wife, Della James, has paid tribute to a “wonderful husband and father”.
TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular business owner from Carmarthenshire who has died after a rally crash on the Isle of Man.
Mark James, who was 55, was involved in a single-vehicle crash on the morning of Saturday, November 10th, as he took part in a Pokerstars Rally event.
During the 8th stage of the event, Mr James’s Ford Escort Mk II collided with a tree and he had to be cut free from the vehicle by emergency crews.
He was taken to Noble’s Hospital on the Isle of Man, before being flown to Aintree Hospital in Liverpool in a critical condition.
He was then moved to Glangwili Hospital last Thursday, but died on Monday morning.
His death has left a huge mark in the motorsport community in Nantgaredig, where Mr James lived and worked. He co-owned and ran N&A James, a crane hire and heavy haulage business that has been in the village since 1954.
He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
His wife, Della James, has paid tribute to a “wonderful husband and father”.
“It’s devastating,” said Mrs James. “He loved his rally car and loved taking part in these events - he took part in the same one the year before. It’s such a tragedy what’s happened.
“He was a wonderful husband and father to our two daughters. It’s a very difficult time for all the family but the support we’ve received from everyone has been amazing.
“He was loved by so many people and I’ve even had people coming up to me in the street paying their condolences - I don’t know some of them but they knew him. He was so popular and wellknown by everyone.
“I want to thank everyone who has helped us as we deal with this tragedy. Mark will be missed terribly.”
Mr James was a member of Ammanford Motor Club, who have paid tribute to a “larger than life character”.
Ian Taylor from the club said on social media: “It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we inform you of the passing of club member and friend Mark ‘Jamesy’ James who unfortunately succumbed to the injuries he received in an accident on the recent Pokerstars rally in the Isle of Man.
“A larger than life character who would help any- one at the drop of a hat knowing it would never be a dull event with him around!
“It is always a shock to lose someone from the rallying community, but even more so one of our own members who I’ve known personally for many years even before our rallying days.
“I’m sure you will join us in offering our sincere condolences to Mark’s family, many friends and co-driver at this difficult time.
“It’s a stark reminder of how cruel this sport that we love can be at times, but I’m sure the close community that we are will be strong for each other to show support in this time of grief.
“RIP/Meddwl amdano chi ‘Jamesy’”.