James Douglas

Dear Colette & Peter
I am so truly sorry for your immense loss. It’s beyond cruel. I hope you find some solace and comfort in knowing how much your son was loved by others as is evident by all the messages here.
Deepest condolences to you both and all of James friends and extended family.
Anita Doyle ( Jackie’s daughter)

Dear Peter and Colette and family. So sad to hear of your loss of your beautiful son James.
May he rest in peace.

Dearest Colette, Peter, Stephen, Niamh, Pearse, Nora and Constance and all of the Douglas family, my heart and prayers go out to you all on the passing of your beloved son, brother and uncle James. I am so sorry for your loss and I can't even begin to imagine what you are going through.

I worked with James at IRLI for nearly two years and had never worked with someone as bright, kind, compassionate, intelligent, funny and caring as James. James always brought unity, fairness, intelligence, humour, humanity, joy, open mindedness, creativity, depth and inclusion to our work. James was a great listener and understood deeply what people needed and was so gifted in so many ways. James was selfless & through his bright light allowed others to shine and uplifted those around him.

Not only was James an incredible leader of our team, he was also a wonderful friend and I enjoyed work trips away with James. I always found his company so easeful and fun, almost like I had known James for much longer than I had. James was so well informed on endless topics and I always looked forward to meeting James and being in his wonderful warm and beautiful energy and presence. I will always remember James as one of the kindest and most beautiful souls that I have met. May you rest in peace beautiful James.

Deepest sympathy to Peter, Colette and the Douglas family on the very sad passing of James. May he rest in peace.

I remember James being such a kind soul. We met on Erasmus in Paris and in a large group of many people I didn’t know he made a big effort and was always so warm, inclusive and kind towards me. As I read through others stories here I see everyone with us that year has said the same. What a beautiful soul.

Here’s to you James. Rest in peace.

Dear Peter, Colette, Stephen and family,

We are deeply saddened to hear of James' sudden passing. Sending our deepest sympathies to you all and your extended family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very sad and difficult time.

Michael, Josephine, Kevin, David and Karen.

My thoughts are with Colette, Peter, Stephen, Christopher and the rest of James' family and friends at this time.

James you were the most brilliant soul. So incredibly intelligent and fun in equal measure. I quickly counted you as a friend and was always so excited to see you.

I'll never forget visiting you in Cambodia, extending the trip to spend more time with you. I cherish my memory of the weekend we spent hiking in the Areng valley; inadvertently eating frog, getting covered in leaches and you falling out of your hammock in the middle of the night.

The world is a far dimmer place without you. You were an incredible role model for living by your values and I know Jamie and I will endevour to emulate you. Thank you for being a wondeful part of my life.

I got to know James during his time at the LSE where his kindness and sense of joy were palpable. I am very sorry to hear of his death which will undoubtedly be extremely hard for his family but is a wider loss for us all given his outstanding work.

I wish for peace and strength for his parents and family at this very difficult time.

Our sincere condolences to Peter, Colette and Stephen on the very sad passing of James. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. May James rest in peace.

Sending much love to the Douglas family, whom I never met but whose love was felt through this terrific person that James is, as he lives on in our hearts and memory. Our paths crossed a decade ago in Cambodia, but he continued to be an inspiration even miles away, even if we had not properly caught up in years. We are the lucky ones, whose roads rose up to meet him and had the chance to cross paths. He lifted people’s spirits in many places in such a short journey, indeed as light. May it continue to shine and warm our hearts with all the moments shared through family, friends, colleagues and people whose lives were touched by his existence!

I'm deeply sorry for your loss. Jamie was a wonderful colleague, and he will be greatly missed. Please know that you are in our thoughts during this difficult time.

To the Douglas family,

I first met James when we were exchange students in Paris. I remember him as an erudite soul, full of kindness and humour. He was also one of the many people from Eire who have shown me that the Irish are amongst the most wonderful people, full of poetry, stories and a strong sense of justice. I saw this in James’ admirable support for the Palestinian people.

I know that James’ loss will weigh incredibly heavily upon your hearts. I just hope that the pain and sadness you feel now will one day be overwhelmed by memories of the good: every day reminders of laughs and of love, of achievements and triumphs, and of gratitude for every single moment you had the fortune to share with him.

I believe that we all carry our loved ones with us, and that is how they live on. James will be there within you whenever you need him.

I wish you and your family the strength to overcome the depths of this moment.

With love from afar,
Yannick

I met you on Koh Phangan and we became like brothers,you are ana amazing soul,an amazing human being,you cherish your friends and understand the meaning of friendship I will always remember you

I want to convey my deepest sympathies to James's family.

I was lucky enough to know James through our time at UCD Law and kept in touch with his amazing work and travels through social media.

Apart from being a wonderful and kind person, James didn't just talk the talk in life, he walked the walk. To have made such a mark on the world and dedicated his life the way he did was incredible. The world is a poorer place without him and I am so sorry for your loss. I hope the impact James made will be of some comfort to you. We will all never forget him.

From reading all the wonderful and beautiful tributes to this young man I know the world is a sadder place because he has departed from this life at such a young age. My sincere condolences to his family and his many friends. He will be sorely missed at home and abroad. Rest in peace young man.

My sincere condolences to all of James's family. I lived with James during our Erasmus year in Paris and while we were not in touch in recent years, I never forgot his kind and caring nature and what a positive presence he was at the Irish college. His loss will be deeply felt. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Dear Stephen and Niamh; and, all the Douglas Family.

I can only offer heartfelt sympathies to you all on your loss of James, from this life. Knowing you Stephen I can imagine so well what a fine, insightful, creative and committed person James was. Reading of his work and contribution from my legal colleagues gives me such a sense of who he was - and the values he held so dear.
I know he will have been loved, beyond measure. He always will be.

May his gentle soul rest in peace. I know he will shower you all with his blessings, from above.

With deepest, deepest sympathies.

Hannah

I offer my sincere condolences to all of James's family. James lived across the hall from me during our year in Paris. I'm immensely lucky to have known him, and will always cherish the times we spent playing music, practising French, travelling, laughing, being young and free and happy. I knew then, and I know now, that I would never again meet anyone like James. Everyone who crossed his path was touched by the sheer force of who he was -- his kindness, his humour, his astonishing intelligence, his sensitivity, his courage. May he rest in peace.

It was with deep sadness I learned of James’s passing. My deepest sympathy to Peter, Colette and Stephen on your great loss.

Very sad to hear of James passing. I attended a leadership course with James last year. Condolences to all his family and friends. May James rest in peace.

Colette and Peter my deepest sympathy on the passing of your dear son James. You are in my thoughts and prayers. In the words of an irish blessing: May every sunrise bring more promise and every sunset bring more peace

Peter Colette and family our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this dark time

My sincere condolences to James’ family and loved ones during this heartbreaking time. I studied law in university with James and found him to be a truly lovely, intelligent, genuine and funny person, who was always a pleasure to be around. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. Keeping you in my thoughts and sending you strength to cope with this incredible loss. Rest in peace James, you are so loved.

James was truly such a positive energy of which a world like this needs, and so devastated by the loss of such a great person. There was so much achieved in such a short space of time, a true testament to living life to the absolute full. It was through my witnessing of his experiences that pushed me to follow suit and go travelling myself, and honestly am a better person for it, and it was all through his outgoing influence.

I knew him through school and although we weren't the closest, I had the absolute honour of sharing many musical interests and conversations with him.

May he find peace and shine bright.

I had the privilege of knowing James during our time at UCD. His kindness and warmth always stood out, and they clearly fueled his pursuit of justice and equity in his career. James had a genuine curiosity about others, asking thoughtful questions and showing deep interest in those around him. His legacy of care and compassion will not be forgotten. May he rest in peace

Our deepest sympathies to Colette and Peter on the loss of your beautiful son. Thinking of you and your extended families at this very difficult time.

Peter, Colette and Stephen,
Thinking of you and praying for you at this time.

Dear James' family. I first met James in Cambodia a decade ago, he from Ireland, me from Australia. I was struck by his warmth and intelligence, a friendly face and a thoughtful soul. In 2018 I moved to Dublin, and it was James who I contacted and who so generously wrote back with tips about settling into his fine home town. I moved home in 2021, and it was James who took over my role at IRLI. I so enjoyed reconnecting with him then, that same warmth and intelligence shining through. I am so deeply sorry to hear of his death, this unimaginable loss for you all. My heartfelt condolences.

To Peter and Colette; to Stephen, Niamh, Pearse, Nora and Constance

Words can't suffice to express how truly sorry and saddened we are at the loss of James. I am so sorry not to be there at the funeral today but we will support you in any way we can in the times ahead.

Elaine & Family

Sincere condolence to the family of James. As part of a team I worked with James through the Irish rule of law Afghan programme. His commitment to people in a vulnerable position was always present.
May you rest in peace James. Thank you for all you did through your work and the people you reached.

Dear Colette and Family, I am deeply saddened by the loss of your beloved son, brother, and uncle, who was also my boss at IRLI.
James was an extraordinary man, full of love, kindness, and a genuine care for everyone around him.
His warmth and compassion touched many lives, including mine.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. May James's memory bring you comfort and peace.

James and I worked together at Victim Advocates International. He was intelligent as he was kind. I really enjoyed working alongside him even though it was brief.

May he rest in eternal peace, many condolences to his beloved family.

My deepest sympathy to James's family and friends for this terrible loss. Such a beautiful soul—gentle, empathetic, and caring. May his legacy of kindness and compassion live on.

James was a selfless human being. That is a rare quality. At Irish Rule of Law International (IRLI) we were fortunate to have him at the helm. He fought relentlessly for injustice. He brought compassion and kindness to those who needed it most in the world. He radiated positivity. He was a gentle soul. Those of us who have been touched by his life are deeply saddened by his passing and will be forever enriched by his friendship and inspired by the profound impact of his short life.

Noelle, Stephen, Niamh and family,
Sending all our love at this very difficult time.
Deirdre & Cormac

We are all devastated to hear the sad news of the untimely passing of our colleague and friend James Douglas. On behalf of the Embassy of Ireland in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, I would like to convey our deepest sympathies to James’s family, IRLI colleagues and friends both in Ireland and Tanzania.

In the last four years, James worked closely with our Embassy team on a programme to strengthen institutional partnerships between Tanzania and Ireland, focused on promoting gender justice and the Rule of Law. His hard work, dedication and compassion will remain in our memories.

Rest in Peace James

Nicola Brennan, Ambassador of Ireland to Tanzania, on behalf of the entire Embassy of Ireland team

Dear Colette and family,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of James. He was clearly an exceptional young man. There are no words that can help I know but you are in my thoughts at this very difficult time.
Marian

So very sad to hear of James' passing. Our thoughts, at the Embassy, are with his family, his friends and his colleagues at such a difficult time. His dedication to justice for the disadvantaged and his work lives on in Zambia as elsewhere.

Colette and Family, heartfelt condolences on your imaginably sad loss of your beloved James.

Hi,

James and I met in Paris, when we both stayed at the Irish College in 2010/11. I was an Arts student from UCC. I didn’t know how to interact with all the Dublin law students and, frankly, was both terrified and awkward about it.

James was…just, the best. I instantly got along with him; he was so open, funny, interesting, intelligent - his taste in music was also ridiculously cool. He played guitar and we sang songs, laughed, and lived out some great times there.

I just wish I could thank him for all of that, for being that kind of person. He touched a lot of people’s lives, including mine. I’ll fondly remember those times. He’ll be forever missed. Sincere condolences to his family.


Rest in Peace, James. And thank you for being a friend, it really made all the difference.

My deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Colette, Peter and their son Stephen on your devastating loss. I pray that your treasured memories will comfort and support you in these darkest of days. May James rest in peace.

I offer my sincere condolences to Peter, Collette and Stephen on the loss of James. James and I became close friends in UCD, living together in Paris and then in London along with David after UCD. I have countless joyful and precious memories of James; his humour, curiosity, intellect and integrity were unmatched. James had a fierce passion for justice and relentlessly sought to make the world a better place using his many talents. I will miss him dearly. Rest peacefully, James.

Sincere condolences to the Douglas family on the unimaginable loss of your beautiful son and brother James. We spent so many wonderful times with James and the PP gang over the years and he has been a precious and much loved friend to Pat and all the gang. James had so many wonderful qualities and has made an immense and lasting impact in all the work and social circles he encountered. May his beautiful soul rest in peace

Dear Colette, Peter and Stephen,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

May James rest in peace.

James burned brightly and wore his heart and his soul on the outside.We have lost him much much too soon . Deepest sympathy to his much loved family .

My deepest sympathies to James's family and friends.
I met James in Cambodia. He was a wonderful young man with a kind smile. My thoughts are with you all and I wish the lovely memories will comfort you.

Sincerest condolences to James’ family, friends and colleagues. I echo the sentiments of everyone else- James was a special person who I had the pleasure of knowing through Maitrise in UCD. He had an incredible ability to bring everyone together, had such a keen interest in so many things and exuded passion for life. He was a wonderful classmate who provided great support to each of us and always had an amazing knack to bring lightness to any situation. May he rest in peace.

I had the pleasure of knowing James during his time at UCD. I remember a very clever and hard working student who was always kind and considerate. I know that he was enjoying a very strong and useful career engaging in many impactful projects overseas. My heartfelt condolences go out to James' family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

Sincere Condolences to the entire Douglas family on the loss of James. Another wonderful guy gone too soon. Thoughts and prayers are with you all and may he rest in peace. Derek

It’s hard to believe that this is true. I knew James throughout secondary school and college. I wish we had stayed in better touch after our mid 20s. I was highly influenced by his ideas and the music he listened to growing up and we have gone to countless concerts together of which the memories I cherish. I knew if James was listening to something, I needed to get into that because it would definitely be thoughtful emotional and energetic. He was always so well read and informed on every social/political event. And always had such well constructed ideas and arguments on any topic. His social ability I was definitely envious of. He has friends all over the world and seemed to be able to relocate and start again wherever he wanted. He could make friends so easily with strangers on nights out, everyone loved him. I don’t think a lot of people can say that if their teenage selves saw themselves in adulthood, they can be 100 % happy with how they turned out. James is one of the cases where he could have said this. He never deviated from his ideals of non conformity and he never sold out. Someone with principles instilled in him early of anti-establishment thinking that he stuck with into his adult life and career. A very rare person and I’m blessed to have known him and deeply saddened that he has been taken away so early. I hope he has now found peace. My condolences to all his friends and family.

My deepest sympathies to James's family and friends.
He was wonderfully kind, fun, and welcoming when I met him in Cambodia. His loss will be greatly felt across the world.
I pray you find some comfort in your cherished memories of him.

ah Peter and Colette - my heart goes out to you both so terribly sad to lose James your hearts are broken again.
i’m thinking and praying for you both and for Stephen.

Peter, Collette, Stephen and family.
Saddened to learn of the death of James.RIP.
Thinking of you all at this difficult time.

The last time I saw James was in the middle of a Moroccan desert, as he was trying to make his way to a campsite with the smallest of cars (a mini or a fiat 500?). It was such a happy and hilarious moment, and I will always cherish that memory of James. He was such a gentle and kind soul. My thoughts are with you all in these most difficult times.

Stephen, I was very sorry to hear the sad news of your brother’s passing. Sincere condolences to you and all your family. Thinking of you all and sending love.
May James rest in peace.

My deepest sympathies to James' family. I knew James only in the last few years as we worked on some projects together. He was a man of immense warmth, compassion and commitment. I hope that, in time, happy memories of James, and knowing that he was loved by so many, will bring you some consolation.

My deepest sympathies and condolences especially to James' beloved family and wide circle of loving friends and other colleagues, at his passing.His early death is deeply mourned, by myself and by the IRLI team which he led. How fortunate we were.His huge passion and devotion was towards improving lives through the law, and his intellect and kindness were stellar. Heartfelt condolences. Anne-Marie Blaney

I am deeply saddened by the passing of James Douglas. He used to love me, and his friendly, kind, and always responsive nature will forever be remembered. His willingness to help whenever needed was a testament to the incredible person he was.

This is not just a loss for us, but a profound loss for humanity and kindness.

May his soul rest in peace, and may we all strive to carry forward the compassion he embodied.

James was the leader of Irish Rule of Law International (IRLI) and led the team there with his incredible passion, compassion, intelligence and empathy for those who needed help in the world. I was lucky enough to be one of his team and privileged to witness his unflinching advocacy for those who needed it. He was such a gentle soul himself but such a strong voice for the many causes and people he believed in. We are in deep shock at his passing but his passion for people & causes have left an indelible print on the organisation and will inspire our work for many years to come. James, may your gentle and kind soul now rest in peace.

Thinking of Niamh, Stephen and family at this sad time. Our sincere condolences. Rest in peace James.