'It doesn't feel real' say family of Faversham busker who died in house fire
They were speaking for the first time
The family of a well known Faversham busker who died in a house fire say it still doesn't feel real.
Well-known Kent musician James Ronayne - also known as Punky Jim or Jimmy, was killed in a blaze on Salter Lane in the early hours of Saturday morning.
It is believed to have been started by an e-scooter.
The 44-year-old had been living opposite the entrance of Faversham Town FC, at Mill House.
Speaking for the first time, Brandon his brother said: "He was very caring, always there for everybody, having time to stop and chat. He was generous, loving, family ordinated man and he was just an icon around.. a star.
"It's been hard since he died but I just feel like he's behind me telling me to go on and do the things I need to do .
Even though he's not here he is still inspiring me and I feel like it will continue to do so for the rest of my life.
For all the time I'm alive his story will go on and if I have children they will hear stories about James, and through those stories he will be their uncle and his spirit will live on.
"He will always be my brother and he will always be somebodies uncle... he really will."
Also speaking to us, James' and Brandon's sister, Samantha, said: "I still haven't come to terms with the situation, my brother was a crazy character.
"I'm just expecting to see him someone and say 'oh that was mental', and he's just going to be okay.
"The response from the public has been amazing, seeing how much he was loved outside our family.
We've built so many connection with people recently and have so much love for everyone, it's such a nice feeling, people have been so generous and we are so grateful.
Currently £1,950 has been raised in a fundraiser to pay for costs and a balloon release in memory of James will take place on Saturday afternoon at Faversham Recreation Ground.