Tragic soldier haunted by death of friend
Emotional tribute to young dad left devastated by tragedy on duty
THE devastated family of a young former serviceman, who suffered ‘troubles’ after experiencing tragedy in Afghanistan, have paid an emotional tribute after his body was discovered in woodlands.
Lee James, who served in 1st Battalion Royal Welsh, was discovered in woodlands in the Machynys area of Llanelli on Friday, June 7. The 27-year-old had a son and was also engaged.
THE devastated family of a young former serviceman, who suffered ‘troubles’ after experiencing tragedy in Afghanistan, have paid an emotional tribute after his body was discovered in woodlands.
Lee James, who served in 1st Battalion Royal Welsh, was discovered in woodlands in the Machynys area of Llanelli on Friday, June 7. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The 27-year-old from Llanelli had a young son named Harley, aged 10, and was also engaged to be married.
He joined the army at the age of 16 after he left school, and took part in a tour of Afghanistan during his time in the forces. Whilst he was serving, he lost his close friend Jonathan Burgess, of Swansea, who died aged 20 as a result of gunshot wounds following a small arms engagement in the Nad ‘Ali area of Helmand province on Wednesday, April 7, 2010.
His grandmother, Sue Symons, who he had a very close bond to and lived with, explained how the death of Mr Burgess had a lasting impact on Mr James, who suffered with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
“Lee did go to the army aged 16, against our wishes, and during his time there he became very close friends with Jonathan Burgess. When he died it left him very troubled, he had to carry his coffin to the plane,” she said.
“He was discharged at 20 because of his problems, and he could not hold anything down in terms of jobs because he was so troubled. He always had a smile but he carried so many things with him, it was very sad.”
Explaining how she reacted to the news of the discovery of her grandson, she said: “It was unbelievable, I didn’t hear anything after they (police) said that. It was just devastating.
“The tributes we have had since he died have been unbelievable. From 9.30am until 9.30pm at night we’ve had people coming and telling us how heartbroken they are.
“We’re devastated, but just glad he is at peace. We know his mind is not troubled anymore.”
Mr James was said to have had a very close bond with his family, and would love nothing more than spending time with them, including the many cousins he would look out for
His fiancée, Danielle Simmons said: “He’s my soul mate, my best mate and the love of my life.
“He adored his family, as did they, and his tragic loss has had a huge impact on them as well as myself.”
Mr James had a love for sports, had played rugby for Bynea and was also a big supporter of Liverpool Football Club.
He was a former pupil at Bryngwyn Comprehensive School which paid its own tribute.
A statement from the school read: “Lee was a cheerful, happy go lucky pupil who was eager to please and had lots of friends.
“Staff are always saddened to hear of the loss of one so young.
“Staff who worked closely with Lee will have very fond memories of the time spent with him.”
His sister, Nadine Lloyd, described Mr James as someone who would “give his last” to help others.
“He was bubbly, had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone,” she said.
“Everybody is devastated at the moment. I don’t think anyone is ever going to be the same again.
“He was never the same person after he came home from the army. He would put on a front to everybody, but he was a different person from the way he went to how he came back.
“He was a lovely, kind person who would give his last to anyone.”
Mr James’s funeral will take place at 3pm on Thursday, June 27, at Llanelli Crematorium.
Mourners are asked to wear what they wish, with the family recognising respect as turning up, not wearing black.
A gathering will take place at Bynea Legion afterwards.
A police spokeswoman said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a report of a sudden death on Friday, June 7.
“The body of 27-yearold Lee James was discovered in woodlands in the Machynys area of Llanelli. He was confirmed dead at the scene.
“There are no suspicious circumstances. An inquest has been opened and adjourned by HM Coroner.”
Mr James’s inquest is scheduled to take place on September 20.