A tribute to James Earl, much loved and will always be remembered.

James was born on 7 January 1937 to father William and mother Florence. He was the eldest son of four brothers. He spent his early years growing up in Edgbaston, Birmingham until he was evacuated to Kiddiminster during WWII. Following the war he returned to Birmingham where he lived in Oldbury Road, Smethwick until called up for National Service in the Army Catering Corps from Aug 1955. Enjoying his time in the military he served for an extra 1 year after his National Service commitment finished.  

At the age of 21 he met a young 17 year old lady called Valerie whom he married in 1961. Together they went on to have two children Raymond born in 1965 and Janet in 1969. James and Valerie bought their family home in Kingstanding, Birmingham the same home they still have today.

His early career was spent as a chef at Kunzles Restaurant & Confectioners, The Odeon Restaurant and Barrows Restaurant before joining the Birmingham Fire and Ambulance Service in 1970. Completing over 25 years service he covered a range of emergency and urgent duties, completed further training to become an instructor and finished his service as a Divisional Officer in March 1996, when he took early retirement at the age of 59.

Together with Valerie they spent time travelling with the children on family holidays throughout the UK, and later once the children left home their holidays took them to places further afield such as Austria and Switzerland. Combining their love for the outdoors and wildlife they became avid wildlife bird watchers and later badger watchers.

Much of their retirement was enjoyed spending time with their two grandchildren who they would visit and help look after during school holidays. Family camping holidays often saw James’ competitive nature with him trying to complete the same activities as the children.

In his late 70’s James was diagnosed with Alzheimers, however, this did not stop him enjoying life.  He and Valerie still went on the occasional family holiday and enjoyed dog walking trips to Sutton Park.