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Funeral for city flat firefighter Funeral for city flat firefighter
(10 minutes later)
Hundreds of people lined the streets of a Dorset town as the funeral was held for one of two firefighters killed in a fire at a Southampton block of flats. The funeral will take place later of one of two firefighters who died in a fire at a Southampton block of flats.
James Shears, 35, died alongside colleague Alan Bannon, 38, in the 15-storey Shirley Towers on 6 April. James Shears, 35, of Poole, Dorset, died alongside colleague Alan Bannon, 38, in the 15-storey Shirley Towers on 6 April.
His funeral was held at St George's Church near his home in Oakdale, Poole, followed by a committal service. Mr Shears' funeral will be held at St George's Church in Oakdale followed by a committal service.
The coffin was carried to church by a turntable ladder fire appliance adorned with flowers. Members of the public are invited to attend and are asked to wear colourful clothing to help celebrate his life.
The Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service standard was draped over the coffin with Mr Shears' helmet on top. Young families
On the 6th of April, I lost the most wonderful man I have ever known and heaven gained a hero Carla Shears Mr Shears, known as Jim, lived in Poole, Dorset, with his wife Carla and two sons aged four and five.
It was followed by members of Red Watch from St Mary's Fire Station, Southampton, on foot and a second fire engine.
A guard of honour made up of hundreds of firefighters and members of the public lined the streets.
Members of the public were asked to wear colourful clothing to help celebrate his life and they stood in a respectful silence as the coffin was carried by six pallbearers into the church.
Mr Shears, known as Jim and who also had the nickname of Britney, lived in Poole, Dorset, with his wife Carla and two sons, Ruben aged four, and Frankie, five.
He also lived near his parents, Marilyn and Ed and brothers, Gary, Steven and Chas.He also lived near his parents, Marilyn and Ed and brothers, Gary, Steven and Chas.
Mrs Shears said: "My Jim was a hero in every aspect of his life. Mrs Shears said following her husband's death: "Jim was the most wonderful dad and husband.
James Shears had always wanted to be a firefighter, his wife said "He had always wanted to be a firefighter and was truly our hero."
"He was a truly dedicated hands-on father to his two boys he adored and who in return adored him. His father added: "Jim had represented Great Britain in Judo and had been a World Firefighter Games champion on two separate occasions.
"To me, Jim was a wonderfully caring, funny husband, my rock. The Fire Brigades Union has started its own inquiry into the deaths
"I am not sure how we will cope without our Jim lighting up our lives but I find comfort in knowing his wonderful qualities will undoubtedly shine on through his gorgeous sons. "He shared his skills training both youngsters and adults in this martial art. He also encouraged his brother Gary to become a Judo coach and will be a tough act to follow.
"On the 6th of April, I lost the most wonderful man I have ever known and heaven gained a hero." "He was the perfect son and we are all going to miss him terribly."
Mr Shears joined Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service in 2003 and served with St Mary's Red Watch alongside Mr Bannon, who lived in Bitterne in the city and also had a young family.Mr Shears joined Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service in 2003 and served with St Mary's Red Watch alongside Mr Bannon, who lived in Bitterne in the city and also had a young family.
Hundreds of colleagues lined the streets of Southampton on Tuesday for Mr Bannon's funeral.Hundreds of colleagues lined the streets of Southampton on Tuesday for Mr Bannon's funeral.
A fire service and police investigation is continuing into how the fire started and how the men died.A fire service and police investigation is continuing into how the fire started and how the men died.
The occupants of flat 72, where the fire started, told the BBC it was caused by a curtain left draped over a lightbulb.The occupants of flat 72, where the fire started, told the BBC it was caused by a curtain left draped over a lightbulb.
The firefighters were both found unconscious by paramedics in a flat on the ninth floor of the block and Mr Bannon was pronounced dead at the scene.The firefighters were both found unconscious by paramedics in a flat on the ninth floor of the block and Mr Bannon was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mr Shears was taken to Southampton General Hospital and died there two hours later despite attempts to revive him.Mr Shears was taken to Southampton General Hospital and died there two hours later despite attempts to revive him.
A memorial service is planned for both firefighters at Winchester Cathedral in July.A memorial service is planned for both firefighters at Winchester Cathedral in July.