The father of slain water polo coach Lilie James said he is so proud of his ‘independent, vibrant’ daughter who had always lived life to the fullest – as she was farewelled at a moving memorial service.
Friends, family and members of the school community were asked to wear bright colours for the service at Danebank Anglican School in Hurstville in Sydney’s south on Friday morning.
In a statement, Ms James’ father Jamie said the 21-year-old was a vibrant young woman who was ‘always on the go’.
‘On top of working and studying, Lilie loved coaching and playing water polo. She loved to dance,’ he said.
‘Even with her busy schedule, she always still made time to support her brother Max, her friends and family.
‘We cannot thank the community enough for their thoughts, prayers, generosity and messages through this difficult time.
‘From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for the many great memories we all share of Lilie.
‘Lilie James we are so proud of you and thank you for sharing a wonderful and jam-packed 21 years together.’
A white hearse arrived at the school just after 9.30am. A white casket adorned with flowers was carried inside as loved ones embraced each other and students in a nearby classroom watched on.
Loved ones have gathered to farewell water polo coach Lilie James in a private ceremony on Friday morning
Ms James’ father Jamie and brother Max were among the pallbearers
One mourner is seen wiping his eyes after Ms James’ memorial concluded
Ms James’ mother is seen being comforted at the school on Friday
Jamie James is seen hugging a loved one after the service had ended
A makeshift water polo ball was put together out of flowers in honour of Ms James
A white hearse was seen arriving at the school just after 9.30am
The white casket was adorned with red and pink flowers
NSW Premier Chris Minns and a staffer are seen arriving at the memorial
Mourners are seen at Ms James’ memorial service on Friday
Friends, family and members of the school community were seen in brightly coloured outfits for the memorial at Danebank Anglican School in Hurstville in Sydney’s south on Friday morning
Loved ones are seen embracing each other outside the school as Ms James was laid to rest
Mourners are believed to have been asked to wear colours – not black – at Ms James’ memorial
Ms James had graduated from Danebank in 2020 before going on to become a sports coach at St Andrew’s Cathedral School.
NSW Premier Chris Minns was also seen arriving to pay his respects, with as many as 500 mourners expected at the service. Fairy lights were seen lighting up the foyer where mourners walked through.
The service ended shortly after 11.30am with Ms James’ father and brother Max among the pallbearers.
Loved ones were seen comforting Ms James’ parents and brother after the service before the casket was escorted away for burial.
Mr Minns appeared emotional as he left the service, stopping briefly to speak with mourners.
Guests were also encouraged to sign a condolence book.
Mr Minns appeared emotional as he left the service, stopping briefly to speak with mourners
Emotional scenes were seen outside Danebank on Friday morning
As many as 500 guests turned up at the memorial to pay their respects to Ms James
Friends, family and members of the school community are seen arriving at the memorial service on Friday morning
As per the wishes of Ms James’ family, the memorial at Danebank was for friends and the school community only.
The service was livestreamed into St Andrew’s Cathedral School for students and teachers to view together.
Some students from St Andrew’s were also seen arriving at the memorial service in their uniforms.
Police were also seen outside the school gates as mourners arrived for the service
Some students from St Andrew’s Cathedral School were also seen arriving at the memorial service in their uniforms
Mourners were seen donning colourful outfits as they paid their respects to Ms James
The memorial was livestreamed to St Andrew’s Cathedral School where Ms James worked, where students were invited to attend
Ms James was working as an assistant water polo instructor for the elite inner-city school when she was found dead with horrific head injuries inside the campus gymnasium toilets on October 25.
Students left flowers and heartfelt handwritten notes at St Andrew’s after Ms James’ death.
The 21-year-old was described as a ‘coach like no other’, and a young woman who had boundless energy and a heart full of kindness.
Others claimed Ms James was a teacher who every student could rely on to talk to ‘no matter what it was about’.
She was also described as an incredibly positive and supportive teacher who made a ‘significant impact’ on those she coached.
The body of 24-year-old Paul Thijssen, who also worked at the school, was recovered a day later.
The pair had reportedly been in a relationship for a number of weeks in the lead-up to Ms James’ death.
Mr Thijssen had phoned police after hammering the young woman to death, before taking his own life.
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