Charity Cabaret, 400 Hall, 7.30 pm

Christopher Andrew “Frank Cannon” James (M’73) continued

School in 1973 accompanied by David Winfield. It would be fair to say that Christopher was no great academic – a prankster and showman who was renowned for his jesting, his ability to confound and yet perplex. Jack Atter CPO – the then school Marshal on more than one occasion had to send “Frank” back to the Mitre to re-dress , having presented himself at the Arch wearing his Oxford bags, silver stack boots (probably at least 8 inches!), circular dark glasses which he modelled on John Lennon, flowing long hair and a tie which, as many may recall, was just an enormous knot!

Whilst we lived abroad in Caracas, Christopher was colloquially referred to as ‘el Rocken-rollero’ by the locals who were astonished to see such a loud, glam figure in their midst, more often than not sporting his old-style Mitre football jersey with the narrow blackand-red stripes with huge pride wandering amongst them carelessly, simply looking cool! Christopher was in the words of others: a free spirit; had a knack for living in the moment; had a larger than life personality and he never said or thought an unkind or spiteful word about anybody. This was all part of his undoing, but what is abundantly clear, however, was his great magnanimity, and the unimaginable amount of times we saw him pick himself up from yet another misfortune, self inflicted or otherwise, and start again, despite huge forces against him – true grit in every sense of the word, and a quality that, if not honed at Repton, no doubt became polished there.

Discipline was not one of Christopher’s fortes, and I remember his chilling stories of being disciplined with a cane before I had arrived at Repton, and his awe of Mr Gammell’s presence as Headmaster, not least when he would merely take off his false leg and lie it on the desk at the beginning of a lesson!! Once expelled from Repton in his final Term whilst my parents were still abroad, he had already gained an unconditional offer to attend the Birmingham School of Music, so despite being allowed to return to sit his A Levels, he felt no need to revise (a constant regret in later years). He set up home in our pied-à-terre in Derby, where he covertly entertained other sixth formers using our parents’ car, whilst maintaining an air of innocence! All this unbeknown to our parents – or me, for that matter!

On accepting his place at Birmingham, Christopher resumed his acquaintance with Dick Greening, where he excelled in all aspects of concert training and performing and teacher training, attaining all his degrees and diplomas with either Merit or Distinction, whilst also managing to acquaint himself with the local Asian and Oriental cuisine and learning to cook both with flourish and skill. Having played with the National Youth Orchestra on a number of occasions whilst still at Repton, he now had the delight and prestige of playing under Sir Simon Rattle, who was then principal conductor at the CBSO. He also engaged and performed with many local bands and even played ‘cello on Dexy’s Midnight Runners “Come on Eileen” , prior to its chart success.

On graduating, Christopher undertook a number of teaching posts, and went on to Goldsmiths in London where he was to further his musical studies taking his Masters and completed these whilst meeting his first wife and a fellow ‘cellist. Christopher’s life took on many varied paths thence on, where he met his second wife teaching in Guernsey, settling in Dorset, but married life was not for Christopher. He there met the mother of his child Bayley, whilst working in the care business. Bayley was the font of all his happiness. He was never happier than when he was with his son, or talking about him. Christopher’s caring nature had led him to this second path in his life. Christopher’s abiding interests, besides music, were plants, gardening and nurseries, nature generally, mysticism, teaching, animals, equanimity, human respect, humanity, and caring. He adored animals, couldn’t abide cruelty and was a tortured soul with issues. He never found the deep rooted answers he was looking for, and sought solace from every direction spiritually, coming finally and full circle back to Christianity.

The funeral was conducted in Exeter by the Reverend Adam Watkinson (Chaplain at Repton School), who presided over our father’s funeral also, where Dear Lord and Father of Mankind (Repton) was sung! Repton, Repton, Repton ‘till the end!!!

Peter James (M’77) – Brother. June 2014.

David Winfield (N’73) – Friend, best man and contemporary, writes:

As the years pass one thinks more and more of old friends, and I have often thought of Chris and the many happy times we spent together. Singing carols in the pubs of Duffield might be the most vivid memory [including to Brian Clough in the Broadway!]; and also playing a Handel double violin sonata (adapted for 2 ‘cellos) in the Guildhall in Derby. I envied his singing voice, another of his talents that he did not take forward.

Improbably, he and I shared the same birthday, and once Uncle Arthur decided he would play the ‘cello, he was doomed to many hours in my company! I remember him singing the treble solo from the Magnificat from Stanford in G in the Cathedral - a beautiful treble voice. So on to Repton - he was one of the 'lads' in the Mitre, but still we sat in orchestra together and sang in the choir, joined together by Michael Salter and a love of music. I don't remember a cross word between us in 10 years, now I think about it, but that was Chris (or 'Sprant' , as he had become) - he was always gentle, there to have fun, to enjoy his friends and his music in a wonderful way. But discipline was not his thing...