Memories of Keith James

Keith is so indescribable, and words aren’t able to capture how unfailingly generous and caring he was. For us especially, Keith was so generous with his time, and we all know he was such a busy man anyway. He made time for all the girls in the team, whether it was at training on a Tuesday or to give us free physio. He was so welcoming and made it easy to be a ‘new’ player on the team. Keith cared about each player individually and encouraged us all in a way that none of us will ever forget. His patience for a big group of chatty teenage girls was honestly unbelievable. His absence is so obvious and the impact he had on all of us will last for the rest of our lives. We feel so incredibly lucky and blessed to of had him as our coach and all of our thoughts, love and prayers are with our gorgeous friend and team-mate Elsa, her sister Lois, and Mum Heather. Thank you Keith, for everything.
Lots and lots of love, the girls at BLU x 💙

It is Keith’s ever-constant warmth and his smile that we will remember most… He was eternally gracious and generous with his time; always taking a genuine interest in the progress of every member of our family.
A role model to all, a remarkable man and hugely missed…

Today I said goodbye to one of my dearest friends. More than that actually as without this man, I wouldn’t be the physio, business owner, wife or mum I am today. I returned from years away in NZ and Keith was the one to entice me to Bristol with a great job offer working with him at Bristol Rugby. We had 5 great seasons together and he gave me the confidence to go it alone at the top at Bristol for a while after. Every time I said I wanted to go back to nz, he found ways of putting me off, claiming it was always raining and I’d be better off here, making it more fun and impossible to leave, even setting me up with his mate! Once I’d left rugby, he encouraged me to set up my own practice, and for the next 19 years he was my mentor, cheerleader and trusted confident. Our regular lunches where we shared our highs and lows: my wedding, milestone birthdays, both of us of trying for a family, finally getting our babies, loosing our mums, the joys of our partners and families, holidays and our business trials and successes. Lots of laughs too. We never missed a lunch except the one the day after you passed Keith….and it was my shout too. I’m devastated at the loss of our gentle yet solid friendship and camaraderie. Your girls, family and friends did you proud today. I hope you know how special you were to me too Keith. Irreplaceable Keith. Friend to many and I will cherish all the time we spent together on this life train. It won’t be the same ride without you. Look after him mum, he really was one of the best. 💙💔

I first met Keith when he’d just opened his practice. We lived fairly close by and he helped me with my knees, hip, myosotis and many other ailments obtained from sporting pursuits. He was a superb physio and an even better human being! We shared a love for Liverpool, football, family and laughter! He always had a cheeky twinkle and he made my many roads to recovery so much more tolerable. I will miss you. My love to your wonderful family and all those who you helped and had a connection with. YNWA

Alan Pearce

As loyal patients and neighbour of Keith's, he was an all round great guy. The best hugs, so thoughtful and caring with a northern humour I miss from home. And thank goodness for the ever expanding shorts in his clinic that he'd reassure all 'well covered' people that 'they'll fit'..
I hope that Keith's giving character in life, bounces back to hugely support Heather, Elsa and Lois.
Much love to all his family and friends who've had this shocking loss. Plum xxx

Keith looked after my family and me at his Coldharbour Road Practice for over 20 years. What fun those sessions were! We loved his unique wit and upbeat approach (which really helped while he was pushing us to the limits of our pain thresholds!) Keith was also a lovely and caring neighbour - he always had time for a chat and made that day feel seem so much better afterwards.
We shall miss your lovely smile and those chats, Keith. You were a true gentleman- one of the very best!

We’ve lived around the corner for almost 20 years and seldom has a week gone by when we haven’t stopped for a natter and a laugh. Keith successfully treated our family for various injuries and was so kind and generous that he later employed both of our girls to help them develop their work skills, where be was a fabulous role model for them. Bumping in to Keith was always a joy - he had a gift for brightening everyone’s day. We miss you Keith and send our love and thoughts to Heather, the girls and everyone who loved him. Nancy, David, Rose and Georgia xx

Keith and I were the only 2 male physios at Southmead back in the early 90s. We stuck together sharing a house in Maple Road Horfield and enjoyed playing golf over in Chepstow our favourite course. Keith joined me and my kiwi mates on a holiday in Normandy and I made my international debut for England vs France on the beach sharing the midfield with Jamesy as we ground out a 1-0 result.
Keith and I were part of a great group of friends from Southmead spending great nights and weekends together, such carefree and enjoyable times with loads of laughter and smiles, Keith's wit always to the fore.
I remember we used to walk to work together and Keith was smitten with the new physio at Southmead, Heather. They were the perfect match, they deserved each other.
I miss those days Jamesy, the trip up to Anfield when you were at Rovers and watching the Bears at the Memorial ground.

Keith you smashed it, success at everything you did, as a Dad, a husband , a friend and as a physio. Am sorry you have left us far too early

Kirk

We’ve known Keith for 14 years: our boys were born in the same years as his girls and were in the same classes together. He was so friendly and engaging from day one, always interested and keen to chat. He remembered the small details and his Liverpudlian charm and humour shone through in every conversation. It’s incredible how many people in the neighbourhood knew and loved him - adults and kids alike. He was just the kindest soul and always a pleasure to spend time with. It’s inconceivable and heartbreaking that he is gone - far too soon. Wishing all love and strength to Heather, Elsa and Lois.
We will all miss you, Keith. Rest in peace.
Claire, James, Sam & Josh xxx

After every visit to see Keith I felt better - he was engaging, professional, humorous and hopeful. He was always interested in hearing about the family and I trusted his judgement 100%. A great physio and a wonderful person.

Keith was only a year older than me so at James family gatherings we regularly found ourselves spending time together. The first thing you always think about when you think about Keith is how cheerful and positive he always was. Always a smile, always something encouraging to say and always a laugh and a joke too.

I remember one time when I had a French exchange student during sixth form. This quiet young man was staying at our house for over a week and the conversation was starting to run out. Keith took it on himself to help me out and so he borrowed the family car, and along with a friend, he took us out for the day, seeing the sights of Liverpool before dropping us home and staying for tea. I also remember him ringing me up in my first term at uni to check how things were going, no mean feat back in the 80s when there was one phone in the entire halls of residence.

He was kind to mum after dad died. Took the time out to go and see her and ring her every now and again. The last time I saw him was at mum's funeral. Typically he had taken the time out to ring me when he'd heard the news to see how we all were doing. Keith was great to be around. A lovely, kind man. I shall miss him.

I moved to Bristol Rovers aged 21 and Keith looked after me on the pitch and also off the pitch. I moved into a flat near Keith and Heather in Redland and we became good freinds. Intelligent, funny, caring and one of footballs genuine human beings. Sending love to Heather and the family xxx

Keith has been a good mate since we first met at school. Always thoughtful, caring, a leader with a ready smile and laugh. Everyone looked up to him. I took up golf so I could spend more time connecting and laughing with Keith and other old mates. He was very special, I will miss him terribly and remember him fondly.

I have been privileged to have received Keith’s expertise in treatment and always with his .welcoming smile on arrival making me feel at ease. Also his interest in me as a person - a special gift and much appreciated.
I shall miss his laughter and the healing which he achieved. He was remarkable and I shall always be grateful to him. My thoughts are with Heather, Elsa and Lois.
Ruth