FAMILY and friends of a popular businessman who died when his Cotswold manor house was destroyed by fire have paid tribute to his generous spirit and vivacious character.

John James, 64, died on October 24 when a blaze broke out at his home in Hampnett, near Northleach. A total of 50 firefighters spent several hours trying to bring the fire under control but were unable to save Mr James.

The businessman, known to his friends as JJ or Johnny, lived with his wife Sally at Hampnett Manor and was the only person at home when the fire started.

Sally described him as a special man who combined a party spirit with a caring nature.

She said: "He always liked to help people and led a very varied life. Always the showman, he was a great party person, and was always last on the dance floor. He worked very hard and diligently to be able to enjoy his lifestyle."

Johnny met Sally 15 years ago and had lived at Hampnett Manor for 11 years.

He was very close to Sally's children Duncan, 36, and Camilla, or Millie, 30 and even gave Millie away at her wedding in May this year.

He was also enjoying being a grandpa to Francesca, the two-year-old daughter of Duncan and his wife Pauline.

His close friend William Trywhitt-Drake said: "He was very ambitious from the word go, and was determined to do well financially. He had a huge work ethic which he maintained throughout his life. I was hugely full of admiration for his ability to turn problems into successes."

Close friend and neighbour Dr David Cowper said: "He was a very generous and thoughtful man, and a wonderful host who enjoyed entertaining his many friends."

Rev Dick Woodger from Northleach, said: "I certainly remember Johnny with great affection and he was much loved. I had known him socially and he was a very good person to be around, always very cheerful and always happy to get involved with the church."

A keen showjumper, Johnny had won competitions and went on to become involved in hunting, team-chasing and breeding yearlings.

Johnny is also survived by his sister Jennifer and his mother, now in her 90s.

Sally expressed her enormous gratitude to the fire service, police and other agencies who tackled the fire and subsequently dealt with Mr James's death.

The inquest into his death was opened on Monday at Cheltenham coroners who told the Standard the cause of death is thought to be exposure to fire and fire effluent.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.