Tribute to James Underwood
It is with a heavy heart that we have to report that passing of Epping Chiropractor, James Underwood.
The news of James's passing has left Epping feeling a little heavier, a little quieter, and, for many, a little emptier. For 31 years, James wasn’t just the chiropractor people booked an appointment with, he was the person they trusted, laughed with, leaned on, and walked away from feeling lighter in body and spirit.
His clinic shared the heart breaking announcement, describing how James had “dedicated his life to helping others” and how deeply he cared for the people who walked through his door. That love was mutual. Within hours, nearly 200 tributes appeared online, each one painting the same picture: a man who made life better simply by being in it.
Patients spoke of his compassion, his humour, and the way he somehow managed to turn a quick adjustment into a moment of genuine connection. One tribute called him “a first‑class human being full of compassion, understanding and humour”. Another said he was “one of life’s good guys”, the sort of person who made you smile a little bigger and breathe a little easier.
People remembered the familiar rhythm of his clinic: the warm chat, the reassuring presence, and the cheerful “Next!” as you stepped out of the treatment room feeling restored. Many wrote about how he spoke of his family with pride and affection, how he cared deeply for the people he treated, and how his kindness seemed to be stitched into everything he did.
There were messages from long‑time patients who had seen him for decades, and from newer ones who felt they’d stumbled upon someone truly special. Words like “legend”, “wonderful human being”, “truly one of a kind” appeared again and again.
Perhaps the most fitting tribute came from James himself, quoted from one of his past posts on facebook: “Love is the cure.” It feels especially poignant now, because love is exactly what he gave. and exactly what is being returned to him in abundance.
Epping has lost a healer, a friend, and a bright, steady presence. But the impact he made, the comfort, the laughter, the care will stay with the people he helped for years to come.
RIP James.
(You can read more on the Everything Epping Forest site by clicking the link below)
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