Father's touching message at Lilie James' funeral
“She was an independent, vibrant young woman who was always on the go and lived each day to the fullest."
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The heartbroken father of slain water polo coach, Lilie James, has shared a touching message to mourners as they farewell the “vibrant young woman”.
Ms James, 21, was found dead in the gym bathroom at St Andrew’s Cathedral School in Sydney’s CBD shortly after midnight on October 25.
A memorial service to honour Ms James is being held at Danebank Anglican School for Girls on Friday morning, it is being live streamed into St Andrew’s Cathedral.
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Jamie James shared a brief statement after the funeral, which he said was a celebration of her life.
“This day is all about her,” he said.
“She was an independent, vibrant young woman who was always on the go and lived each day to the fullest.
“On top of working and studying Lilie loved coaching and playing water polo. She loved to dance.
“Even with her busy schedule, she always still made time to support her brother Max, her friends and her 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 with Lilie.
“Lilie James we are so proud of you and thank you for sharing a wonderful and jam-packed 21 and a half years together.”
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Heartbreaking scenes
Friends, family and students were seen in brightly coloured outfits as they made their way into the school ahead of the service.
Many hugs were shared outside the service, with mourners fighting back tears as they made their way into the school.
Dozens of schoolchildren in uniform from all year groups at St Andrew’s streamed out of a school bus. They waited patiently outside before heading into the building show their respects to the late water polo coach.
One boy led the group holding a bouquet of flowers in blue, red and yellow, before they were ushered inside the school gate.
Thirty minutes before the crowds began streaming in, the 21-year-old’s coffin was brought in under hushed tones to the school.
Several White Lady funeral directors began the procession, leading her body into the chapel where her loved ones gathered to grieve.
Bouquets of flowers from mourners could be seen just inside the school’s entrance.
RELATED: ‘He stole her from us, he took everything, ripped us to pieces’
About 500 mourners farewell Lilie
NSW Premier Chris Minns was among those paying their respects to the “beloved” young woman.
Dressed in a black suit, the premier was subdued as he walked the short distance to the school’s entrance.
He didn’t stop to speak to anyone outside the gates, walking quickly to shake hands with the group of people gathered to greet mourners as they made their way to the service
As Mr Minns made his way inside, the group followed him inside the school where the funeral was due to get underway.
About 500 staff, students, and alumni attended the service, with the school, which is just next door, closed for the duration of the day.
It is understood the decision to hold the service at Danebank Anglican School for Girls was because the schoolteacher was an alumni of the Hurstville school.
RELATED: ‘Lilie we love you so much… it will be so hard to move on’
"Horrors of evil"
Ms James’ death sent shockwaves through the school community with principal Dr Julie McGonigle telling parents in a letter of the “horrors of evil”.
The water polo coach was reportedly beaten to death with a hammer, with the grim discovery sparking a widespread search for the culprit.
Only days later, police located the body of sports coach Paul Thijssen off cliffs at Vaucluse in Sydney’s eastern suburbs along with his belongings.
Ms James is understood to have broken up with her 24-year-old co-worker, who was seen on CCTV leaving the gym, only days before her death.
The pair are believed to have dated for about five weeks, with the death reigniting concerns about femicide in Sydney and the safety of women.
RELATED: Body found in search for Lilie James' suspected killer
A vibrant young woman
Ms James’ family previously released a statement, describing the 21-year-old as an “independent, vibrant young woman” who lived her life to the fullest.
“On top of working and studying Lilie loved coaching and playing water polo. She loved to dance. Even with her busy schedule, she always still made time to support her brother Max, her friends and family,’ the statement read.
“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.”
Ms James had graduated from Danebank in 2020 before going on to become a sports coach at St Andrew’s Cathedral School.
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