Jayme ‘Chugs’ Sykes farewelled at emotional service attended by more than 500 mourners

Jayme ‘Chugs’ Sykes has been remembered as a loveable larrikin and friend to many at a funeral service held a fortnight after the 20-year-old Corio man died in tragic circumstances in central Geelong. VIDEO.

A Corio man who died in tragic circumstances has been remembered as a larger than life character whose infectious personality rubbed off on all those around him.

A service for Jayme “Chugs” Sykes was held at Tuckers Funeral’s Highton chapel on Saturday morning, where a huge crowd of more than 500 people gathered to pay their respects.

Mourners, mostly dressed in black, flowed out into the foyer for the hour-long service that was led by Tuckers’ Aaron Hille.

Jayme Sykes qualified as a barber at Geelong’s Gordon TAFE. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Hille emphasised early that the event was to be a celebration of the 20-year-old’s life, rather than one focused on the circumstances surrounding his death.

Mr Sykes was allegedly murdered by 26-year-old Colac man James Farquhar in the early hours of Sunday October 27.

The fatal stabbing has understandably resulted in immense grief among Mr Sykes’ family and wide circle of friends.

“The first time I laid eyes on my brother, it gave me a purpose in life to be his protector,” older brother Mitch told the crowd through tears.

“Even though most of the time it was the other way around.”

Jayme Sykes’ older brother, Mitch, speaking at the funeral. Picture: Mike Dugdale.

Father Leigh Sykes, in a statement read by Mr Hille, said he was lost for words, unable to comprehend the enormity of the loss.

“It’s so hard to wake up every day knowing that I won’t see your face another day,” he said.

“It’s so hard to put onto paper how I feel, but anyone who knows me knows how much love I had for my boys.

“From the moment you came into the world until the day you left us, you touched so many people in so many ways.”

Jayme Sykes’ brother Mitch and father Leigh following the service. Picture: Mike Dugdale.

That theme was constant throughout, with Mr Hille relaying several anecdotes that highlighted the breadth of Mr Sykes’ network.

“He was a bit of a social butterfly, able to connect really well with everyone,” he said.

“I think he had a bit of FOMO, fearing he was going to miss out if he wasn’t involved in whatever was going on.

“He took the chance to get involved in anything and everything, and experience life to the fullest.”

Mr Sykes had a particularly close relationship with his mum, Sally Veal, who penned a statement that was read by Mr Hille.

“Chugs, from the moment you were born, those eyes were so big,” it said.

“I remember the nurse telling me, ‘That’s OK, he’ll grow into them’, and that you did.

“No one could resist you, with your beautiful heart and laugh.”

Local rapper Jamie Taylor had his song, “Chugs”, played, after which Ms Veal and grandmother Sue Veal stood to applaud.

Jayme Sykes’ mother Sally Veal is comforted after the service. Picture: Mike Dugdale.

Mr Sykes’ love of cars and motorbikes was clearly evident, with a riding top draped atop his coffin and his hearse attached to a Harley Davidson that led a convoy to Steiglitz Cemetery.

A number of those in the convoy performed burnouts on Province Blvd on their way to the burial, much to the interest of residents nearby.

A wake was scheduled to be held at the Shell Club in Corio on Saturday afternoon.

Several friends did burnouts as they departed. Picture: Mike Dugdale.

Mr Farquhar is scheduled to appear in court for a committal mention in February.

Two other Colac men, aged 26 and 23, have been interviewed by detectives and released pending further inquiries.

In the lead up to the funeral, Ms Veal called for tougher laws relating to knife possession.

She said was determined to ensure her son’s death wasn’t in vain, suggesting new legislation around knives should be dubbed “Chugs’ Law”.

The cost of Mr Sykes’ funeral was covered by a crowd-funding campaign that raised more than $46,000.

Originally published as Jayme ‘Chugs’ Sykes farewelled at emotional service attended by more than 500 mourners