Service to celebrate life of Bishop

The late Colin James, Bishop of Wakefield from 1977 to 1985, will be remembered and celebrated at a Eucharist service in Wakefield Cathedral at 6.30pm on Sunday January 31. The present Bishop of Wakefield, Stephen Platten, will lead the service.

Bishop James, who was the ninth Bishop of Wakefield, died on the December 9, aged 83.

An address will be given by the Bishop of Edinburgh, Brian Smith, who worked with Bishop James in the Wakefield diocese as director of clergy training.

Colin James was born in 1926 and was ordained a priest in 1952. He served in Stepney, east London, until becoming chaplain to Stowe School, Derbyshire, in 1955. He became Bishop of Wakefield in 1977.

Bishop Platten said: "He was also someone of considerable charm and warmth and so an excellent pastor. A number of people who fondly remember Colin have said how much they would like to celebrate his life."

All are welcome at Wakefield Cathedral from 5.45pm for refreshments at for the service at 6.30pm.