The whole University of Liverpool community is shocked and saddened to learn of the death of one of its alumni, James Furlong, who graduated with a History and Politics degree in 2004.
James was tragically killed in Forbury Gardens, Reading on June 20.
Dr Marios Costambeys is a Reader in the University’s Department of History, and remembers James from his time as an undergraduate.
Dr Costambeys wrote this tribute: “James Furlong was an engaged student with a strong commitment to his subject, he was also a gentle and unfailingly pleasant man whose subsequent career, passing on a knowledge and love of history to new generations, stands as a model of what we hope for in our graduates.
“James’ seminar presentations were often wonderfully lucid, and admirably fulfilled the intention of having real educative value for his fellow students.
“He presented difficult historiographical debates with exemplary clarity and balance, had clearly ‘done his homework’, and understood often complex historical problems.
“James’s written work displayed equal fluency and fore-thought. There can be no doubt that he had the academic ability – and innate intelligence – to teach at any level.”
When James applied for teaching training, Dr Costambeys was one of his referees.
Our thoughts are with the friends and family of James, and the two friends who also lost their lives in the same incident; Joe Ritchie-Bennett and David Wails.