Hi, I'm Linda

Image of Linda James

I am a Funeral Celebrant who provides unique, non-religious funerals and memorials following direct or unattended cremations.

For each ceremony, I discuss with a family, usually in their home, what they would like included and can advise on music, readings and family contributions as is helpful. Following our meeting I prepare a draft script for the family to revise as they wish and it is this script that I use on the day of the ceremony itself.

My aim is always to honour the person whose life has ended and to place them fully at the centre of the proceedings by celebrating their personality; achievements and values. It is important to remember what they enjoyed doing in life; who they loved and who loved them.

People tell me they find me warm and caring, that I pay attention to detail both in preparing the script and in leading the ceremony itself. Fortunately, I have a calm presentation and a clear voice that carries well. Over the years, I have had experience of leading many ceremonies in crematoria; graveyards, village halls, private gardens and other venues; each is as individual as the families with whom I work.

Humanists UK provided my training and they monitor the quality of my work and continuing professional learning to ensure standards are high.

I find great satisfaction in working with people at a very important and often emotionally trying time in their lives, always seeking always to help them create a ceremony that meets their needs and I'd be very happy to talk with you about the ceremony you'd like to organise.

Linda’s kind, calm and confident approach made a huge difference to our experience which was not only appreciated by immediate family but also by all our friends. We will always be grateful to her for making such lovely memories of what would otherwise have been a very sad occasion.Her guidance over the practical matters was also invaluable.B family Sept 2023——————————————-Dear Linda, Thank you for supplying us so generously with your script , but above all, thank you for your beautiful address and your guidance throughout. Everybody commented on how good your address was and how they felt as if you had known mum. We, as a family, really appreciate your scrupulous care and attention to detail which resulted in a very good send off of my mother. We will always remember itVery kind regards,The R. Family ——————————What can I say…..You did him proud. The service was all about P. and was so appropriate. You read so eloquently and with great feeling with emphasis in all the right places.Being in touch only via email and phone was no detriment (due to Covid-19 restrictions).If ever I or someone I know needs a humanist then you are the one.I will treasure the (presentation ) script keepsake.My sincere gratitude.————————————Linda is a lovely caring sensitive lady. Made a very tough day a whole lot easier. We had lots of really nice comments on the service. She has great communication skills and kept us well informed.Would definitely recommend her.——————————————–We were treated with compassion and dignity throughout.————————————————-My brothers and I would like to offer a heartfelt thank you for the calm and reassuring role you played in our father’s funeral. We loved the way you handled such an incredibly important event to us, the sense of dignity and occasion you brought and your sensitivity towards ours and other peoples’ emotions.———————————————–I remember your involvement with nothing but warmth and deep appreciation. You supported and guided us through a very difficult time with a combination of sensitivity and practical help that I found both comforting and invaluable.————————————————-

— A range of families with whom I have worked.

Image of Linda James

Linda James

Where I work

I am based in central Ipswich and usually work within a 25 mile range but will travel further by agreement. Ceremonies happen in crematoria ; burial grounds; and a range of other venues or settings. Just as families want it to be.

Fees from...

Fees are £250 and are always agreed in advance when the venue and ceremony type are decided. Usually Funeral Directors pay me directly but other arrangements can be made as required. There is no fee for children's ceremonies. .

How to contact me
Email

linda.james@humanistceremonies.org.uk

Phone

07944 629 128

Website

humanist.org.uk/lindajames

HUMANIST CEREMONIES™ is the network of more than 550 celebrants, trained by national charity Humanists UK to a gold standard to provide memorable and meaningful humanist ceremonies to non-religious people. Operating throughout England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, we deliver authentic, tailor-made and heartfelt ceremonies for life’s key moments. They are always inclusive and welcoming, regardless of the beliefs of those attending.

You can trust Humanist Ceremonies celebrants: We are DBS-checked, fully insured, and regularly peer reviewed for quality assurance. We are committed to a code of conduct, and have a transparent and robust complaints process in the rare case of a problem. We all pay a monthly fee to Humanists UK to further support the work of the charity, and are part of a regional network for like-minded celebrants for support and learning.

Humanist funerals

Humanist funerals, memorials and ash ceremonies are a fitting way to honour a unique life with warmth, sensitivity and meaning, but without reference to religion or an afterlife. They put the story of the person who has died at the heart of the ceremony, paying tribute to them and the legacy they leave, and provide an opportunity to bring people together, not just to share sadness but to celebrate a life lived.