It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that Peter (Pete) James, a much-loved member of our community, has sadly passed away. I am keen to pay a personal tribute to Pete, his dedicated contribution to our charity and the unique way in which he embraced the values and ethos of Emmaus Mossley.
Pete was recruited as our part-time Maintenance Supervisor in early 2015. His varied role covered many aspects of building maintenance – ranging from odd jobs within our community home and social enterprise, to the renovation of rooms and external upkeep of Longlands Mill. ‘Maintenance Pete’ was often called upon to deal with blocked drains and toilets, replace carpets, fix doors, locks and leaks, paint, decorate and help to install retail displays, but his contribution to life at Emmaus Mossley extended way beyond his role description.
Soon after joining us and once he got to know everyone, Pete took an active interest in our companion’s lives. Drawing on his rich and varied life experience prior to Emmaus, he made everyone feel welcomed, treating people with respect and dignity, and actively encouraging them to progress on their own paths in life. He also forged bonds with fellow staff members and workshop volunteers Keith and David, supporting them in their roles.
Above and beyond the call of duty
Pete would acknowledge himself; he wasn’t really a ‘morning person’, but he would always arrive on time for our morning meeting and often be the last to leave. This meant he regularly had to lock up the building using our myriad of keys – and on occasion, lose his own house keys in the process!
Pete would regularly support our charity events, staying later and coming in to volunteer on the days he wasn’t employed to help us get everything set up. He was always willing to help out on the day or evening of the event itself, assisting with whatever jobs were needed and taking the time to chat to attendees. Pete also volunteered at almost every Mossley SOUP event, helping to promote these events, wash bowls and welcome guests at the front desk.
In terms of his own role, Pete shared knowledge and skills with many companions and supported them to build their own work experience. Pete would also always make an effort to join our community social evenings, which bring together companions and staff for quizzes, games or fun activities. Pete hosting ‘Play Your Cards Right’ dressed in a pink dress is just one of many fond memories we have.
Our unofficial Emmaus ambassador
If you were fortunate enough to bump into Pete within our Secondhand Superstore or outside of Emmaus, you will no doubt know about his willingness to talk about our charity and the impact it has on people’s lives. He took the time to learn about people’s experience of homelessness and the work of the wider Emmaus movement, and then share that learning with others.
Soon after joining us, Pete’s dedication was in no doubt when he joined our staff, companions, other protesters (and Bez) for Manchester’s ‘March For The Homeless’ protest in the city centre. Later that year, Pete volunteered to welcome delegates to the Emmaus Europe Regional Assembly that was held in Manchester. He went on to represent our community at the annual Emmaus Assembly in the UK and champion the work of our charity with whoever he met.
Pete got involved in many of our solidarity initiatives, including the weekly ‘soup runs’ to support people who were street homeless in Manchester city centre. He took part in two Emmaus Salons in Paris, helping with driving duties on one occasion and manning our stall at both events. Pete also volunteered on the DIY SOS Veterans’ Village project in Manchester and volunteered for many Mossley community events, including the annual Whit Walks.
Personality and pride
Pete took real pride in his work and in being part of Emmaus Mossley’s community. He treated everyone as equals, giving them the same respect and time – whether that be a customer in our shop or Her Majesty The Queen (formerly HRH The Duchess of Cornwall)! Pete’s ability to put people at ease, make them feel welcomed and valued, combined with his cheeky charm and wit are what we’ll dearly miss most. Both personally and on behalf of Emmaus Mossley, I feel immense gratitude to Pete for his contribution to our charity, his valued friendship and the very many happy memories we’ve shared.
As a community, many of us feel great sadness but are supporting each other and Pete’s family and friends as best we can. If you knew Pete or met him on your visits to Emmaus Mossley, I encourage you to share your personal memories and feelings in the book of condolence within our Secondhand Superstore.
Pete’s funeral will take place on Thursday 11 September and the wake will take place at Emmaus Mossley. As a result, our Secondhand Superstore will be closed that day but all who knew Pete are welcome to join us to share memories and celebrate a life well lived. His burial will take place at Valley View Cemetery (behind the Church Inn) in Uppermill from 2pm and Pete’s ‘after party’ will commence from 3:30pm at Emmaus Mossley. Instead of flowers, Pete’s family kindly ask that donations be made to Emmaus Mossley.