Mourners follow as Jonathon ‘JJ’ McPhillips’s coffin is carried through Milner Square

“WE love you daddy!” The words of Evie-Rose and Lexi-Jae filled St Mary’s Church on Friday as 300 people gathered to mourn the death of Jonathon “JJ” McPhillips.

Aged just five and three, the girls had recorded a minute-long message, filled with songs and love for the father they will never see again.

An hour earlier, hundreds of people had gathered outside the family home in Milner Square to say goodbye to one of their own.

His coffin carried by his mother Michelle, father Sean, and other family and friends, the procession did a circuit of the square as a piper played.

Michelle McPhillips, strong and dignified, reminisced with JJ’s father about the times she used to push her son around the square in his pram.

Mother Michelle McPhillips carries her son’s coffin

She lowered her son’s coffin into the hearse before the procession made its way to the church.

As it turned into Upper Street, a cavalcade of motorcyclists revved their engines and beeped their horns in honour of motorbike enthusiast JJ, to cheers from the crowd.

There was standing room only in St Mary’s as mourners entered the sound of Coldplay’s Yellow.

The Rev Simon Harvey welcomed people “whether angry, heartbroken or just empty”.

A poem from family friend Henry was read by Dean Donaghey before a rendition of Dancing in the Sky brought the room to tears.

Dean Donaghey addresses the congregation

Mr Harvey said: “Michelle has told me how JJ grew up to love speed and adventure, riding bikes and motorbikes. How they prayed for him to recover when he had that awful accident at Highbury Corner as a teenager. The way that he filled the house with bits of motorbike and how he could strip a bike down and put it back together again. The way that becoming a father brought out a new side to him.”

A tribute was read on behalf of JJ’s partner, Kennedy. “The time we had together was amazing and I only wish it wouldn’t have ended there. You gave me the most precious gifts in the world in our two beautiful girls and for that I will be eternally grateful. You will shine on through them and they will know what a fantastic and caring partner and father you were,” she said.

A piper played as the cortège circled Milner Square

JJ, 28, was fatally stabbed outside Islington Assembly Hall on Saturday, February 25. He tried to run home but collapsed on the pavement, where his mother rushed to his side.

Mr Harvey said: “JJ’s life began when he was cradled in his mother’s arms. He took his first breaths as she held him. And on that Friday night on a cold pavement, he breathed his last in the same arms, cradled with love and tears.

“How can a short life end like this? How can violence steal a father from his children?”

No one has yet been charged with JJ’s murder, but Mr Harvey said: “A killer is never a winner.

Jonathan McPhillips with daughters Lexi-Jae and Evie-Rose

“So I make a bold and confident appeal today. Listen! Don’t let cruel death stir you to hate. Let life and love and the good things of God stir you instead.

“You are beginning the long and difficult journey of grief. Don’t run away from it. Feel the pain but know it won’t destroy you. Feel the anger but don’t give in to it.

“Keep telling the stories. Keep holding each other. Keep praying to the God who lost a son to killers, to the God who offers life and peace. Do it, do it for JJ.”

Dean Donaghey read a poem to JJ and later made a heartfelt speech about JJ’s last moments. After being stabbed, he tried to run home but collapsed despite being fatally wounded.

“That’s 270 steps with a fatal wound,” he said. “270 steps for the willingness for life, 270 steps for the determination just to live, 270 steps for him try to survive, 270 steps for himself and his family. This was Jonathan James McPhillips – a true warrior.”

JJ’s funeral took place shortly after at Islington Crematorium in East Finchley. Afterwards, mourners gathered at The Green Man pub in Essex Road, which Michelle runs.

A mother’s tribute: ‘Without you I’m empty’

AT Islington Crematorium, Michelle McPhillips (above) paid tribute to her son in the way only a mother can.

“When you came into the this world, every second, minute and hour was worth it,” she said. “My favourite memory is of cupping your little face and thinking it was a miracle that you were mine. You will always be my one and only.”

She spoke of happy memories of JJ, a motorbike lover from age three, who maintained that passion throughout his life. He loved House and Garage music and helped his mum out at the pubs she worked in.

“Milner Square will never be the same without you,” she said. “What makes me proud to call you my son is the fact that your heart was bigger than the world. Even though some things were not easy for you, you always looked for the best in people and did the best for anyone you could help. The proof of this is the support and love that has been shown since they took you away.

“Without you I’m empty. You were my everything. I love you my baby boy. Rest peacefully.”
Michelle sang the final song, Jealous of the Angels by Donna Taggart.