A WIDOW whose childhood sweetheart tragically died on her birthday has vowed to meet him “again one day in heaven” following his funeral.

James Davis, 37, of Clacton, was laid to rest on Wednesday following a burial ceremony held at Clacton Cemetery, in Burrs Road.

His life was then celebrated during a service held at St Paul’s Church, which was followed by a wake at the Bentley Country Park, in Flag Hill.

During the special and emotional send-off James’ wife of two years, Kierette, 37, launched balloons with messages into the sky alongside family members and friends.

Her 10-year-old nephew also bravely read out a heartfelt poem which he had written entirely by himself for the poignant occasion.

Speaking about how the funeral went, teaching assistant Kierette said: “Reverend David Lower did an amazing service and there were lots of people who helped.

“The singer gave his own time up, the church waived all fees, the caterer only charged for the cost of the food and the park let me have the function room for free.

“So everyone was so kind and helpful and in total there were about 100 people who attended the funeral, so James had a lovely send-off.”

James died suddenly on his wife’s birthday after Kierette decided to pop to her parents’ home to pick up some presents.

When she returned, Kierette’s world was completely turned upside down after she found her beloved husband dead on the floor.

Kierette and James, whose brother died in December, first met at Clacton County High School when they were both just 12-years-old.

When the Clacton couple turned 18 they finally decided to commit to each other before unfortunately breaking up four years later.

Fate, however, had different ideas and by the age of 27 Kierette and James had rekindled their romance and in 2015 decided to get married.

But the grand occasion had to be called off after the couple were involved in a serious car accident which resulted in executive driver James having to have a year off work.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Eventually they tied the knot in July 2019 and their big day was even featured on an episode of the TLC television show Curvy Brides Boutique.

She added: “I will love him forever and this is not goodbye, as I will see James again one day in heaven - I know he will always be with me forever in my heart.

“I think he would so happy and overwhelmed with all the love and support, so thank you to everyone who celebrated James’ life.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart, I really do appreciate it. I will see James again in heaven and there will be such a celebration.”