A CAVALCADE of almost 40 bikers provided a guard of honour as a much-loved motorcyclist made his final journey last week.

Terry James passed away on May 31 having overcome stomach cancer and battling leukaemia. He leaves behind wife of 41 years Christine, children Sandie, Lisa, Michael and Martin, 13 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

He was born in Sopworth on June 10, 1949 as the youngest of four children to Nancy and Jack James where he became part of the farming community and spent a lot of his childhood working on farms. He left home at 16 first to live in Chippenham before moving to Swindon soon after.

His love of motorcycles began at an early age and throughout his years he always owned one. By the age of 21 he had completed his HGV class 1 licence and began working for Coopers, J+B Transport and Blackhorse. He also worked at Anchor foods for a number of years.

“Terry could drive any vehicle that was put in front of him, even JCBs,” said wife Christine. “Terry was well-known as a gentle giant, especially in Netherton Close and the Parks. Mums and dads used to love it if Terry was about when they were trying to get their kids in for tea or bed as Terry would shout at them and because of his size the kids would run in. All the kids got to realise in the end his bark was worse than his bite as they grew up and had lots of conversations with him.”

Throughout his life Terry used his love of motorcycles to help raise money for charitable causes including Afghan Heroes, and organised bike rides through Royal Wootton Bassett. He was no stranger to a charitable head shave or a sponsored diet either.

“For many years he dressed up as Father Christmas, having to hide his tattoos in gloves to make sure even his own children, nephews and nieces didn’t recognise him,” said Christine. “He was Father Christmas not only for the RAOB Club but Manford Manor School, Swindon Town supporters club and the Cock Robin pub. It was all voluntary and he even took time off work unpaid to do it. He would also do the Christmas bike run to the hospital but sadly for the last two years due to health reasons he was unable to do it.

“Terry was also a big family man, nothing was ever too much trouble. Terry would go out of his way to help anyone and never ask for thanks. He never let on to people the amount of charity work that he did.

“He also never broadcast how poorly he was, never looking for the sympathy vote always hiding his feelings to protect others. He was also a fantastic friend to many and this was show in the amount of people at his funeral.”

She added the family were keen to express their thanks to the Dove unit whom Terry made such an impression on and also all who attended the funeral and each of the riders in the motorbike cortege.