In a statement, family spokesman Henry van Asch said James would be remembered at a memorial service in Arrowtown today for, among other things, his generosity of spirit, kindness, dedication to his family and friends, and wicked sense of humour.
James and Wanaka pilot Stephen Combe died when a Robinson R44 crashed in the Lochy River basin, near Queenstown, last Thursday - the chopper was owned by James' mother Louisa ''Choppy'' Patterson's company, Over the Top.
''James' family has been overwhelmed by support from the close-knit Queenstown community, wider New Zealand public and aviation industry around the world, and wants to thank all of those that have shown them such love and kindness,'' Mr Van Asch said.
''The family would also like to take this opportunity to express their deep sadness at the loss of their much-loved friend and colleague Stephen Combe.''
Family members due to attend today's service include Ms Patterson, James' father Murray ''Mo'' Gardner and his sons Tim, Jono and Sam.
Some of James' schoolmates from St Andrew's College in Christchurch, where he was a boarder for the past five years, will also attend, along with other friends from around New Zealand.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission and Civil Aviation Authority are investigating the crash. - Mountain Scene
by Philip Chandler
