The following messages of condolence and symbols
have been added in memory of James.

James, always warm and welcoming, I feel blessed to have known you for many years, you will be deeply missed. My heart breaks for you Crystal, Jess, David, Amber and Chase, much love Kathryn and John xxx

I first met James in the early 80’s, he had a short punkish haircut with strips shaven into one side and squares on the other, wearing John Lennon glasses, and a cackling laugh.
Later we shared a house together and frequented the Hippy club on many occasions, although I can’t remember much about this. He loved a party and once made himself a suit out of old Charlie Brown curtains for a fancy dress party.
There was much more to James than the party animal of his youth. He was funny, intelligent and after meeting Crystal became an outstanding family man. Some of my best conversations with James are after he met Crystal and had his family.
Many similar things have been said about James, the size of his heart, his laugh (I will miss that cackle), and his love for Crystal and his children.
Dearest Crystal, David, Amber and Chase, Sally and I are both feeling very sad for your loss.
James, I will miss you mate. Thankyou for being my friend.

Fogs

James, your loss leaves such a void.
We were such unexpected friends. You the cool guy with ample student experience and me the odd, slightly nerdy girl who had just had her world upturned and who was trying to find herself.
Yet become friends we did. We shared a friendship that was about mutual respect and understanding and some shared passions. We would talk for hours about our latest DIY projects. We shared some of life’s highs and lows.
I was so happy when you found Crystal - you were very much a man in love.
I couldn’t have been prouder when you asked me to be your co-best man when you married the love of your life, with little baby David at your feet.
I shall forever be grateful for your friendship. And I will miss you more than I can express.

My heart goes out to the family you adored. Crystal, David, Amber and Chase. Words seem inadequate. They carry your light forward. And we all carry you forever in our hearts.

Farewell my friend. I will never forget you.

James,
Watching you over the past few years supporting your son (Chase) and his love for dance, cheering him on every step of the way, was something truely remarkable. You showed how much you loved your boy just by simply showing up. I hope Chase forever dances in your honour and never forgets the love and support you showed him.

Crystal, Jess, David, Amber and Chase…. I am so sorry for your loss.
Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.
Sending love and strength always xxx
Miss Jemma (Dance Teacher)

Throughout my life of knowing you, James, I have been in awe of your continual pursuit of personal growth; you questioned and re-made yourself so you could
become the loving, warm supportive partner you have been for Crystal and an amazing Dad so very invested in all of your children's wellbeing...as well as a warm and valued part of our extended friendship group.


There is no sense or reckoning of your tragic loss from our lives. The sustenance and devotion you gave to Crystal and to all of your children, and all family and friends around you is so very much missed now. Our only consolation is that your songlines, the deep grooves that you have formed through your family, and all of those of us around you, will continue to play out in all of our lives.

But I do believe we are all of us inter-beings, not made up of just one life but the combination of the all the joyous experiences and life lessons we have walked together.
Who you are, the very special kind of love and care you gave, lives on and will forever be ingrained in the intricate and ongoing web of our lives. By your example, we hope to always be in a loving embrace with Crystal and your beautiful family, in memory and rejoicing in the times we got to be with you.

Rest in peace James, till our minds meld once again in the universal threads that connect us all. Love always Luci & Pete

Throughout my life of knowing you, James, I have been in awe of just how much you have changed and grown, questioned and re-made yourself over the years, to become the loving, warm supportive partner you have been for Crystal and an amazing Dad so very invested in all of your children's wellbeing...as well as a warm and valued part of our extended friendship group.


My first recollection of you was as the famed Mr. Bunsen Burner in your early University days, in which you aided and abetted our youthful wont for a bit of transformational, mind-altering fun. Like the rest of us, you had a penchant for coming together in our suburban household parties, chewing the *** on all sorts of philosophical stuff and of course, turning the music up loud and getting your little boogie on..

You transformed again as your metallurgy career got well underway.. taking in the responsibility and focus required to work those furnaces in some demanding workplace conditions, but focus and master it you did! Your gusto in taking up sky-diving seemingly formative in building your mental acuity! Your relishing of the regular act of throwing yourself out of planes and giving it all over to the big, wide open sky no doubt a way to feed your hunger to ever be, on the lookout, for ways to expand your mind.

You had a few loves in your life, before meeting Crystal, but once she was in your orbit you were fully smitten and transformed again as you set up your little love shack near Rockingham where you and Crystal married. It was a joy to be part of this special day with you both, surrounded by the garden you had put so much love into together and which became the setting for several long afternoon BBQs as more little children began to appear in our friendship fold.

You and your young family moved to Tasmania to pursue your career, and on your return moved to your house in Ballajura, where you took up and relished in the role of house husband. Your full focus now on building your nest and being the greatest of champions for Crystal and for your beautiful kids, David, Amber, and Chase and your re-united eldest daughter Jess. You had so fully embraced and found your contentment in being a loving and dedicated family man. A contentment no doubt built on a reckoning with all that life had thrown you to that point and an openness to sharing and reshaping it through the strength true love and a sense of belonging can give.

There is no sense or reckoning of your tragic loss from our lives. The sustenance and devotion you gave to Crystal and to all of your children and all family and friends around you are so very much missed now. Our only consolation is that your songlines, the deep grooves that you have formed through your family, and all of those of us around you, will continue to play out in all of our lives. We are all of us inter-beings, not made up of just one life but the combination of all the joyous experiences and life lessons we have walked together.

Who you are, the very special kind of love and care you gave, lives on and will forever be ingrained in the intricate and ongoing web of our lives. By your example, we hope to always be in a loving embrace with Crystal and your beautiful family, in memory and rejoicing in the times we got to be with you.

Rest in peace James, till our minds meld once again in the universal threads that connect us all.

To Crystal, David, Amber and Chase

I am so sorry that you have lost your partner and father. James was a gorgeous human whose love for life and friendship was only topped by that for his family. We will never forget him.

With love Mark and Jann xox

Our hearts are broken for you Crystal with the sudden loss of James. Your partner, husband friend and father of Jess, David, Amber and Chase. We are all here for you 💗

James was a remarkable person, a friend since my first week of uni 1987 where we both achieved distinctions in tavern 101, 201, 301 etc. He was a vibrant soul who brought joy, laughter and a sense of adventure to our lives.
Yet, beyond the party boy exterior, James had a heart that was as big as his laughter. He cared deeply for family and friends, always ready to lend a helping hand or offer a shoulder to lean on, In times of joy or sorrow, an important member of our group of friends.
He taught us to embrace life with open arms, to cherish friendships with warmth and sincerity, and to never shy away from the grand adventure that life has to offer whether it be moving your life to another state, jumping out of a plane or becoming a dance dad. His proudest accomplishment being his beautiful family, we are privileged to be able to share in their future.
Rest in peace, James, Until we meet again on the other side of the stars.

Thank you to James’s family and friends for inviting me to join you in this shared grief. A little bit of my WA has just disappeared from view with James’s passing.
James was a sincere, caring and modest human being who was always present and ready to love and enjoy what the day would bring.
James, his brothers and sisters had a complex family history but always remained close and loyal to each other and their beloved mum.
James loved family, friends, the blues, dancing and his work in metallurgy; he invited experience. I have never forgotten James telling me, quite sincerely and earnestly that he would volunteer happily to board a visiting UFO craft. Just to experience it and to add to the universal knowledge, even if it meant never returning to earth. During the time we were together James took up skydiving completely fearlessly.
When I listen to the blues, see a kite flying, play trivial pursuit - I always think of James.
Please accept my sincere condolences Crystal and family, my heart goes out to you.

I first met James De Burner in 1987 at one of the many wild dress up parties held at Parsons Road, Manning. It was quite possibly the action figure party where we all dressed up in Star Wars and marvel outfits. We would all study all day, and party all night, and often bring a dish to share, and laugh, and dance, and party all night long. These were fun times where we all shared a love of life and dreamed of the futures we would have.
In 1992 I briefly shared a house with James in white gum valley. James was working as a metallurgist in Kwinana and was often on call 24 hours. The landline phone would ring at all hours of the night and James was always cool, calm, and collected as he instructed some screaming panic-stricken work colleague on the other end of the phone to turn down the temperature of the burner before it blew up. I used to admire his calm manner and the patience he had dealing with a frantic person on the other end of the phone.
I used to stage many parties in those days in Subiaco and Claremont which were strictly dress up or don’t come. James would rock up with his coffee percolator, case out where the kettle was, make coffee’s and repeat this party ritual for many years, then he’d carve up the dance floor with a huge Cheshire cat grin on his face. James was always up for a good boogie.

And then……..James met Crystal. I don’t remember seeing him for a while, as they finished off their little love pad in Rockingham. James was in love, and when we finally got to meet the beautiful Crystal, we were all so happy to see them so in love and blissfully happy.
In all the years I’ve known James, I have never seen him lose his temper or looked stressed.
I will always remember James to be a true Gentleman, meticulous in his handyman skills, always calm, always patient and content, always very proud of his family, and forever in love with his beautiful family.
I will always have a boogie for you on the dance floor at parties.
May you forever rest in Peace James.
We will always be here for you Crystal

From Lou & Beau

James was the friend I never expected and one that I was truly blessed to have in my life for the last 35 years. He was a man with a huge heart and a willingness to embrace the whole of life in his laughter, his awesome dance moves, his optimism, energy and special tight hugs. You were always there James and I will truly miss you!
To Crystal, David, Amber and Chase - my hope for you all is strength and courage to move forward without your beautiful husband and father. He was so good at these roles and he will always be remembered for what a wonderful person he was.
We are all truly blessed to have shared his life!

Dear Crystal, Jess, David, Amber, and Chase, please accept our sincere condolences for your loss.
James and I shared a similar background, both being born in the UK and coming out to OZ in the late 60s. We also shared a similar set of values, both being very keen on social justice and the rights of the average "working class" family.
One memory that seems to represent the era of our formative years, is of James in full flight, a tad intoxicated as were we all, dancing to Painters and Dockers (or similar era band), eyes closed, head thrown back, gyrating this way and that, bumping into others in a similar state, living his best life. This lust for life can be seen in the way James took that same energy and passion and applied it to his marriage, where, in partnership with his beautiful wife Crystal, raised their amazing family.
James lived life on his terms, through and for those he loved.
He experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, putting his energy and effort into those he met and cared for, and for those who cared for him. I gladly consider myself as part of that group.
James, I will be forever grateful for your friendship, candid opinion, and advice down the decades, and I will miss our friendship dearly. Thanks mate for all the beautiful memories.

Andrew. ❤️

To Crystal, David, Amber, Chase & Jess

Sending our deepest sympathy and much love to you in this tough time.

When I reflect over the years & think about James, what stands out is his love of family, his warmth & sense of fun. I remember witnessing the magic unfolding when you, Crystal, & James first came together, then together building a home & creating your precious family. James was always so proud of his family. He will be remembered as a dedicated husband & father & much loved.

We are sorry we are not able to attend the service to celebrate a life well lived but you are in our thoughts. James will remain forever in the hearts & minds of all he's touched.

Crystal & family - may you find peace & comfort in your memories & the love you share.

"There are special people in our lives who never leave us, even after they are gone." -D. Morgan

Much love
Sue, Scott, Alec, Kyle, Brianna & Elke x

You’re the man I hope I will grow up to be. A family man, a loving father and an incredible husband.

Xmas lunch won’t be the same without you, I know you loved that pork crackle on the Weber.

Rest easy uncle James, until next time ❤️

Eulogy to James De Berner

This eulogy to James is from his Uncle Adrian, younger brother of Sonia.
My first memories of James are when he was a baby, back when Sonia lived in Southend in the UK. I was child at the time, I remember walking with Sonia, pushing James in a push chair and us all playing together on the beach. Even as a young child, I remember him being a very happy chappy.
Later the family moved to Christchurch, another town nearby the sea. I stayed with them for a summer helping Nick, Sonia's partner at the time, with his building company. Both Nick and Sonia were extremely busy working hard to earn a crust, with James stepping in to help with his siblings. I was so impressed by him, he was the eldest, and so in a way it fell to him to do so much to look after the family, which he did amazingly for one so young. Even as a child he was a gentle, and very caring person.
The Family emigrated to WA in the late 60s. Once they moved I only spent time with James and his family when we visited, and when James came over to stay with us, to find out more about his life in the UK. Families have their ups and downs and there have been times when we found it so good to talk. There was a bond between us partly through my Mum, his Grandma who we were both close to.
Each time I visited WA I was made so welcome by James, Crystal and their family, they were always so generous. I am proud of James the family man, he was so caring.
But my memories of him are also of his adventurous side, showing us videos of his sky diving, this being a passion of his. His eyes lit up describing the sensation of floating down, the excitement of ground rush, the feeling of an opening parachute and satisfaction of a skilful, soft landing.
I remember chatting with him about his immersion in the novels of Terry Pratchett, he was reading the series 'Discworld', at the time, captivated by the rich imaginary world Pratchett created. A great way to escape from the hard labour he had to do at the time in the foundry.
My memory is of gentle, caring, family-centred man.
I feel his loss from across the oceans. My heart goes out to Crystal, Jess, David, Amber and Chase.

Uncle Adrian

Dear Crystal, Jess, David, Amber and Chase. Thankyou all for creating the most loving and caring family that James truely loved more than anything else in the world! I will remember the most annoying big brother that grew into an amazing man who stood beside me when I got married to an even better friend who was always there to listen, give advice and was my go to person when only he could help.
You will forever live on in your four beautiful children and your memory will always shine through your soulmate Crystal.
Rest in Peace James
Love your “Sis” Libby
Jason, Adam, Kirk, Haydn & Jeremy 💙

Crystal, Amber, David and Chase. your husband/ father, James, will always be remembered and be in our hearts forever. What a treasure he was. Would do anything for his family. Always caring. Always understanding. Never judgemental. He will truly be missed and never forgotten. Andre and Sonia.

To our darling daughter Crystal and our beautiful grandchildren David,Amber and Chase. We will all miss James, your husband Crystal and your father David, Amber and Chase. He will be with you all in spirit, as well in you 3 children as I can see a little bit of him in all of you. He was a very happy and generous person and will be greatly missed.Rest in Peace James and know your family will be looked after. Love you lots. 💕

All our love and sympathy to you all it is so sad the the loss of James we will be thinking of you all. Rest in peace James. Sorry we want be attending tomorrow but will be thinking of you LoveAunty Jen and Uncle Geoff 💙💙💙💓💓💓💓💐💐💐💐💐

Dear Crystal, David, Amber and Chase. What a wonderful man your Dad was and how many treasured memories so very many people have of him. His many kindnesses, his enthusiasm and passion for music and that wide, warm smile. None of these things can ever be replaced but the ripples of James will never cease to bring joy and a little crazy to all those who knew him. And in you, gorgeous family....as you try to to mend the huge hole James leaves. He lives on in you. He never had a bad word to say about anyone and what a precious gift that is to leave. Love Jocelyn, Andy, Sienna and Jonah. Xxxx