The club is devastated to learn about the passing of lifelong fan James Charlton.

James, who was 26, watched his first game as a babe-in-arms in November 1995 and was a devoted and regular supporter for all his life.

He was also a hard worker for the club in the years after we were forcibly relegated to the Northern League in 2012, and helped out in Quaker Retail, stewarding, social media and other areas of the club.

Denis Pinnegar, who was chairman in 2012, said; “I first met James when Darlington FC went into administration in 2012 and the Interim Board were appointed by the fans. He was one of the army of loyal DFC fans who made fan ownership of the club possible. James was so enthusiastic and no task was too much for him if DFC were involved. 

“He personified the energy in and around the club and his enthusiasm was infectious.

“As I got to know him, the true James became wise beyond his years and could always be relied on to do what he said he would do.  When I was asked to give him a reference for the Darlington Young Citizen of the Year Award, it was a great pleasure to do so and James went on to win the award which was a great achievement for one so young.

“To me James demonstrated all that is good in young people today and will be in my mind forever as the charming, helpful and quick-witted achiever that made him a joy to work alongside.”

Gary Brown, who won three promotions with the club, said; “He was always a very nice and polite lad. He had a great work ethic and support towards the football club, carried himself really well and his mam and dad should be very proud of the young man they raised. It’s an absolute tragedy that this has happened and very sad. All my thoughts are with his family at this awful time.”

And Tori Gill, who was a director of DFC in those early fan-owned years, said; “James was a pleasure to work with, both at the football club and in my business where he helped out for a short period of time. We frequently kept in touch and I’m so saddened to hear the news about his sudden passing. James will always be fondly remembered and my thoughts go out to Steve and Carol and to the rest of his family and friends. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.”

His outstanding voluntary service to Darlington FC was recognised when he received the Young Citizen of the Year award from Roland Lang of Darlington Rotary Club at the Best of Darlington awards in 2013 (pic courtesy of the Northern Echo).

We would like to send our sincere condolences to his parents, Steve and Carol, his family and friends.