Hi, I'm Linda

Image of Linda James

Funerals are important … whether as a Celebration of Life, a Memorial or another sort of 'remembering event' where there's been a direct cremation, perhaps.

They can help us mourn.

They help us value life and remind us of of our relationships with each other and our family history.

They can celebrate the life that has been lived and acknowledge the talents and values that person had ... and why they were important to us.

Each funeral I lead is individually written and wholly tailored to the personality of the person who has died and the needs and wishes of those they leave behind.

I'm often described as calm, reliable and good at relaying a life story with warmth, dignity and as appropriate, a touch of humour too.

If you are arranging a non-religious ceremony for someone you care for, please contact me without obligation and we can discuss how you might like it to be. I'll work with you to prepare a script and lead the occasion on the day.

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

Usually I work within 25miles of my homebase in Ipswich but I am willing to go further by arrangement.

Fees from...

Fees are £250 : always agreed in advance when the venue and ceremony type is 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.