Tribute to Raymond James Quigley killed in Ipswich, Suffolk

Known to family and friend as James, the 18-year-old's mother, Margaret Oakes, said he never stopped smiling.

The teenager died following a stabbing incident in Westgate Street on the afternoon of January 17 this year.

"Our James was always such a beautiful baby," Mrs Oakes said.

"As a child, he was lively, entertaining and very clever. He started singing at the age of six and just never stopped.

"We would all take part - myself, his sister and his brother, dancing around. We loved it."

Raymond James Quigley was known as James to his friends and family. (Image: Supplied)

James' two favourite songs to sing were Where Is the Love? by Black Eyed Peas and See You Again by Wiz Khalifa - the latter was played at his funeral.

Fishing with his family also played a key part in James' life and Mrs Oakes fondly remembers him sailing a boat in Horning, Norfolk, enjoying his newfound title 'Captain Quigley'.

His family say James is 'forever 18', having died before his 19th birthday. (Image: Supplied)

As he grew older, James enjoyed a range of hobbies, including going to the gym, playing chess, running and cycling.

"He was very happy when he got his first big bike to ride to school and back," added Mrs Oakes.

Friends and family are struggling to come to terms with his death. (Image: Supplied)

She also described him as a "very loving, caring person," who would help anyone and everyone.

"Some of the stories I was sent when James passed, even from people I had never met, were so nice," she said.

"He was always very sensible and good at advice too."

One of James' favourite hobbies was to go fishing with his family. (Image: Supplied)

James' sister believes he is the "brightest star in the sky" and his older brother was his best friend - the two described each other as two halves to a whole.

"He said he'll miss him every day of his life until their souls become one again," Mrs Oakes added.

"That is a love that will carry on forever and never be broken."

James shared a special bond with his older brother - they were two halves to a whole. (Image: Supplied)

James also left behind a nephew, three nieces and a god-daughter he named himself - all of whom he adored.

His family describe him as 'forever 18' and lament the adult life he was never given the opportunity to live.

"My beautiful boy was going to start work at the end of January and was going to get the car he always dreamed of," his mother said.

James' older brother left flowers on his grave, which read: 'Whatever our souls are made of... his and mine are the same'. (Image: Supplied)

"We're so heartbroken that all this just never happened. These plans were whipped away from him."

Monday, July 8 marked what would have been his 19th birthday and church bells rang in his home county of Norfolk in his memory.

James' family said his birthday broke their hearts even more - a feat they didn't think possible.

James was known as a 'kind, loving and caring' person who went out of his way to help others. (Image: Supplied)

"Our tears don't stop," said Mrs Oakes.

"It was one of many first things we've had to do without James. That day was the hardest so far, along with the day he was taken from us.

"Myself and his father are still numb. He will never, ever be forgotten."

Six months on from his death, James' close friends and family are struggling to come to terms with his loss.

James' mum said he was very excited to receive his first big bike so he could cycle to school. (Image: Supplied)

Mrs Oakes added: "It's the hardest thing to do, but we hope and pray our James is dancing and singing with the angels.

"He will remain in our minds, our hearts and our souls forever."

The family wish to thank those who were present in Westgate Street in January for all they did for James.

Raymond James Quigley died on Tuesday, January 17. (Image: Supplied)

"We'd like to thank everyone for all your love, support, gestures, flowers, cards, candles, pictures and balloons," added Mrs Oakes.

"We are all so desperately heartbroken. Our lives will never be the same again."