James Diffey

Supporters of vintage and historic racing in Britain and Europe will be saddened to hear of the passing yesterday of James Diffey, after a long battle with cancer.

James was a superb "racer", whose talent shone in whatever car he earned a seat, and he was a popular choice with owners who wanted to see their cars finish at the front of a field. He produced many giant-killing performances, particularly in two-driver races, but was equally at home driving his Bugatti Brescia on VSCC winter trials, where he was a regular winner.

In the paddock, in the bar or on the dance floor his was a cheering presence with an ever-present smile and a firm handshake, and never gave a hint of the health problems which he fought bravely to overcome.

I will miss him, and to his wife, family and all his friends in the vintage car world I offer my sincere condolences.


James is congratulated by Denis Welch after a hard-fought battle at Oulton Park in 2005

How sad, he was indeed a superb "Racer".

A great loss to the historic racing community, condolences to his family.

Terribly sad to hear this - sincere condolences to brother Simon and their family, and to all James's close friends...

DCN

Jim died at 3pm today in Cambridge

He will be missed by all that knew him.,He along with with wife Mags made each race meeting a memorable event.He raced my cars and won at many of the major circuits from Dijon to Le Mans.

A proper bloke and at this time our thoughts will be with Maqs who told us the morning he will be racing his own cloud.RIP JIM

Not only from me but all your mates and there are many

Very sad news. Condolences to family and friends.

Tributes paid to James at Cadwell park this weekend. Pole positions left empty throughout the meeting and the Frazer Nash boys gave their own rousing send off . James will be sadly missed.
Condolances to all.

difficult to add anything that hasnt been written already - a top man and we will all miss him. The paddock will be a lesser place without him. Simon and the rest of the family will be in all our thoughts.

The funeral and thanksgiving service for James was held on Saturday at St Mary's Church, Haynes, Nr Bedford and so large was the congregation that there was standing room only, with many spilling out into the churchyard to listen to the service over loudspeakers - witness to the high regard in which he was held by all of his family, friends and acquaintances. James had planned that it would be a celebration, and decreed that there would be no solemnity and no black ties - only bright colours and plenty of noise - and I'm sure he would have been delighted with the way his plans were fulfilled by his widow, Mags, brother Simon and parents Phil and Jan. It was a joyful, and very moving farewell to a great fellow who truly had lived his life "at full throttle".

James' beloved Brescia was driven to the church by Mags

Three of the cars in which he had much recent success were displayed in tribute.
A gallery of memories

It's rather late - but is this James? It's always been one of my favourite photos becaue it looks like they're having so much fun...