It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I have to share the news with you of the passing of John James, our famous and long standing Secretary, who has been battling with illness since October of last year. John passed away in hospital in the early hours of Saturday morning, on 21st January 2023.

For those of us that knew John, he was a lively, sociable character who loved being part of our Newham Chamber of Commerce and watching it grow and evolve over his 20 years of involvement. Prior to being part of this Chamber, John was a writer and editor of a number of publications over east London and has always had his finger on the pulse of everything that was going on. I had the pleasure of working alongside him for over 10 years and it was a real blast, he took on new ideas and ran with them time after time.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Lesley, who we know John cared for in recent years. John was a religious man and was a supporter of St Peter-in-the-Forest Church where he would actively support all endeavours, and for the wider community of where they lived in Waltham Forest.

Lloyd Johnson
Chairman
Newham Chamber of Commerce