Tribute planned for tragic airman

5:09pm Wednesday 27th August 2008

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THE FAMILY and friends of a pilot killed in a mid air collision plan to gather at the young airman's beloved airfield to "celebrate his life and achievements."

James Beagley, who lived in Marlow Bottom, died when the Cessna 402 in which he was a passenger struck another plane on August 17 near Coventry.

On September 5 there will be a memorial service at St Mary's church, White Waltham, before well wishers flock to the bar at White Waltham Airfield to remember the 34-year-old's life.

Father Alan, 60, from Strathcona Close, Flackwell Heath, said: "We want to celebrate his life and achievements.

"One message that has come across very clearly is that he was always a bright, smiling and loving individual and that is what I want the funeral to be - a bright and a joyous event, rather than a miserable mourning."

James's admirers have already begun to pay their respects to their fallen comrade. On Friday more than 200 people packed the airfield bar, some travelling from as far afield as Scotland and Holland to raise a glass to their friend.

Many of the people at the party were pilots who had taken James up in their planes when he was learning to fly.

James's mother Liz Hopkins, 59, of Milton Keynes, spoke to some of them at the party: "I said to his friends, 'Thank you for letting him beg, borrow or steal your planes'.

"They said, 'He didn't have to beg, borrow or steal, we'd have given him anything'.

"Anyone would have given Jamie the world."

Earlier this afternoon the Environment Agency, who from time to time contracted James as a pilot, organised a memorial flyby at White Waltham Airfield.

The pilot flew his vehicle, a Cessna similar to the one in which James was killed, low over the airfield as a mark of respect.

Alan Beagley said: "I find it quite extraordinary the reaction we have had from his friends.

"We have had countless cards and messages via the internet."

He went on: "What Jamie enjoyed doing was flying and he loved to be amongst his friends in White Waltham.

"He lived life to the full, and I want to reflect that in his funeral.

"All his friends are welcome."