Memorial Service for James Lisle (1962–2025); College Groundsman (1988-2025)

On Friday 27 February 2026, members of the Merton community gathered with family and friends in the Chapel to give thanks for the life of James Lisle, College Groundsman from 1988 until 2025 

James served the College with steadfast dedication for thirty-six years. As the Chaplain reflected in his address, while an Oxford college may seem defined by academic endeavour, it is equally sustained by the friendships and fellowship forged on its playing fields and in its shared spaces. James prepared and tended the ground on which generations of students played, competed, and formed lifelong bonds. His care for the College’s grounds shaped daily life at Merton in ways often unseen but deeply felt.

The service included music that had featured in James and Nicola’s wedding - Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, Praise to the Lord, and Jerusalem - alongside tributes from family members and readings from Ecclesiastes and Psalm 65, celebrating the rhythms of seasons, labour, and growth that marked his working life.

James was remembered as a man of loyalty, pride in his craft, and deep care for the College. “He prepared ground on which life could happen,” the Chaplain observed.

In the Ante-Chapel, the Gardening Team created a moving tribute: a small tableau of turf marked as a playing pitch, set with a rugby ball, football, tennis racquet and cricket stumps, alongside flowers and a photograph of James.

His long season at Merton was marked by dedication, humour, and a strong sense of duty. He will be greatly missed.