Tribute to James Partridge, 1952 - 2020

Deeply saddened to hear of James Partridge passing. One of lifes walking angels with love and prayers to his family at this heartbreaking time. It was a honour to have met him and a privilege to have been helped by him. A big influence in my life and the world.R.I.P wonderful man 🥀

What an unbelievable loss. James and Changing faces saved my life when I was coming to terms with my facial disfigurement. I met him on several occasions at the squire and helped contribute to an extract in his book. My deepest condolences to all his family and his loved ones. RIP. All the best, Tiwonge

I had the honour and privilege of knowing and working with James for a short period as he was setting up Face Equality International. I've never met anyone quite like him. Determined, charming, intelligent and kind. The world needed him and will miss him. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

At a dark time in my life when I couldn't cope with my Crouzons Syndrome I wrote to James. His reply really helped and sustained me. I met him once and although I can't say I knew him, in my mind I looked upon him as a kind and supportive friend. I was so saddened to hear of his death and send my sincere condolences to his family.

I don’t care who you are, if you spent any time with James it changed your life. His extraordinary ability to transcend the impact of his appearance was truly inspirational and there are not many people around where you can almost feel the life force. He helped me come to terms with the inevitable staring that comes with any disability and like many others I was proud to be seen walking down the street with him.

Thank you for being a great friend to my father, certainly all the best adventures he had were with “Parb”. No friend is he more proud of than you. I will always remember your infectious laugh, it made me feel like I was extremely amusing (which of course was a great feeling!). Best wishes Jack Clarke

I was so sorry to hear about James’s death recently - I met him 20 years ago working together on a health project and we kept in touch over the years. He was inspirational in terms of his warmth, integrity, insights and his absolute commitment to addressing society’s attitudes to visible difference. His many gifts will not be forgotten - I send my deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Sally

James was a wonderful, funny, clever, kind and compassionate man who I feel very lucky to have met and worked with. I smile when I think of him and I have smiled as I have talked about him these last few days. He achieved so very much and inspired, challenged and provoked debate, progress and consideration. He will be truly missed. Rory

James came and spoke at my leaving assembly in school back in 2000! When my daughter was born with a facial birthmark I got in touch with him and he sent me some excellent advice and pointed me in the direction of some wonderful support. We wouldn’t have survived without him if I’m honest, I was scared to take her out in public and felt like an awful mother. He was so busy but he took the time to contact me personally, I will never ever forget him and I am grateful every day that all those years ago I got the chance to hear him speak. My thoughts go to his family at this sad time. He leaves a lasting legacy.

I first met James in 1994, when I started to work with Nicky Rumsey at what was to become CAR (The Centre for Appearance Research) at UWE, Bristol. Like so many other people, I will never forget the first time I met him and little did I know at that time what an impact he would have on my life. Always inspiring, always fun, always interesting, and always interested. You are very missed, Dr Partridge. with love and happy memories, Di

James - thanks for your vision, passion, leadership, charm and wonderful way of making us smile. And thanks for changing the world a bit, as well. I will miss you. James was a great encouragement to me when I started as the first Chief Executive of the Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA) in the UK back in 1995. I remember him visiting my office to meet face to face to share ideas and aspirations. He had that capacity to make people he connected with believe that they could change the world too. Running an NGO is fraught with difficulties, not least financial, yet James’s drive , vision and commitment to the cause kept everyone focused and on track. I was delighted to be asked to be involved in the setting up of FEI a couple years back and have really enjoyed being part of James’s team. He has been a great mobiliser, marking a path with a beacon and leading the way for the diverse and growing number of international members. His positive message of equality has inspired members to join the fight against inequality. We will continue this fight in earnest. Thanks James. Gareth - European Cleft Organisation

I was aware of James and his charity. Both my wife and I knew him at QMH, Roehampton during his burns treatment. I had the pleasure of holidaying with him for 6 weeks by Greyhound bus across America in 1972. He was a delightful companion. Thank you Dick for those memories.

I have only just heard of James’ death, as I listened today to BBC Radio 4’s Last Word. I had the privilege of working with James as an adviser to Changing Faces on the review of their brand. James was one of the best clients I have ever worked with. He was warm, inspirational, positive, encouraging, challenging and endlessly curious. I was deeply saddened to hear of his death and my sympathy goes out to all his family and close friends for the loss of this wonderful man. Geoff Dodds

I did not have the privilege of meeting James Partridge in person, but I am sure that his legacy will forever be a part of the lives of all those he has helped and inspired over all these years and his extraordinary work will never end. Cristina