A WARM personal tribute has been paid by one of his former managers to popular ex-pro footballer James Walker, whose death has been announced at the age of 38.

During his playing career he had always been aware of a medical condition affecting his heart, but he was able to manage it through medication.

However, his life changed when he suffered a cardiac arrest in 2019. It happened during a PE lesson at Ramsden Hall Academy, a secondary school in Billericay for boys with special needs, where he fulfilled his long-held commitment to help others as a learning support teacher.

James was demonstrating a somersault to his class when he suffered a massive arrest which, for a period, stopped all blood flow to his brain. He was in a coma for 15 days and it was touch and go as to whether he would survive, but he survived with physical and mental impairments.

Though the father of three daughters could walk and move about freely he could not look after himself and took up residence at a care home in Southend, where yesterday (Thursday, 1 October), his death was announced.

James Walker was a popular teacher at Ramsden Hall Academy.

After the cardiac arrest the footballing community rallied round and a fundraising event took place in February 2023. Now that same community has been paying respect to someone who was recognised for his work with young people and honoured with a Jack Petchey Foundation award.

Southend United said they were "deeply saddened" and the club will hold a minute's applause in Walker's memory before Saturday's National League fixture with AFC Fylde. James made 54 appearances for the Shrimpers between 2008 and 2010, scoring eight goals.

He was a product of Charlton Athletic's academy and as well as Southend, played League football for Hartlepool United, Bristol Rovers, Leyton Orient, Notts County, Yeovil Town and Gillingham before moving into non-League football, where his clubs included Woking, Dover Athletic, Eastbourne Borough, Bishops Stortford, Canvey Island and Maldon & Tiptree.

The England youth international, who went on to win one full cap for Antigua and Barbuda, played 58 times for East Thurrock United between 2015 and 2017, scoring seven goals. His playing career ended in the 2018-19 season after playing four matches for Tilbury.

East Thurrock United manager John Coventry paid this tribute to the player he much-admired as a man, as well as a footballer: "James was a lovely person, I will always remember his infectious smile.

"It was a pleasure to work with him and his 58 matches for East Thurrock United showed his commitment and love for football.

"He respected the game at whatever level he played and supported all those around him.

"A talented player with a great personality. It is so sad what happened to him. Rest in peace James and thank you for the memories."