A funeral will be held on Monday for Chubb underwriter James Balis, who died on October 23 aged 31.

His family welcome colleagues and peers to attend and celebrate his life.

Chubb state manager for NSW/ACT Dirk Keuneman says Mr Balis will be remembered as a “warm, generous and deeply respected colleague and friend valued equally by those who worked alongside him and the brokers and clients he served.

“James was a connector of people. He was loyal, loved to land a deal, loved his golf and loved the team around him.”

Mr Balis spent the past decade at Chubb, most recently as lower middle market manager for NSW and ACT.

Mr Keuneman said in a tribute on LinkedIn that Mr Balis was a “genuinely irreplaceable presence” who “had the rare ability to bring people together with grace, warmth and authenticity. ‘Balis’ – as we liked to call him – was a powerhouse who got deals done without fuss and with a dry sense of humour.

“The market often told us they wanted more underwriters like Balis and he was well known internally for his catchphrase ‘find it and bind it’. James embodied the belief that underwriting is a skill built through trust and relationships rather than from a textbook or in a classroom.

“His care for others, and the mark he left on everyone fortunate enough to know him, will be treasured forever.”

More than 170 industry colleagues posted tributes on LinkedIn.

“Reading through such heartfelt messages illustrates what a beautiful soul James was and how terribly he is missed,” Chubb country president for New Zealand Jon Longmore said.

Chubb underwriter for accident and health Luke O’Shea said Mr Balis was “one of a kind. I remember that first beer we had at the Rag & Famish and I will cherish the great memories. Cheers, big fella.”

Chubb casualty risk engineering manager for Asia-Pacific Anthony Jeffrey wrote: “An early chat at James’ desk was always a great way to start the day. Our trivia skills were terrible, but the conversation was first class. A character who will be so missed.”

Specialist Risk Group broker Sam Bonisch said: “He made underwriting fun. I always used to look forward to calling James on a prospective risk.”

“An absolute top bloke who will be sorely missed,” Lumen Insurance MD Daniel Littledyke wrote, and Chubb financial lines senior underwriter Mike Loubser posted: “I will miss the good times, your infectious laugh and Monday morning banter. Rest easy, my friend.”

AEI Insurance account manager Carolyn Barnes said: “Shocking news. Balis, thanks for the beers at Fortune of War or Morrison’s, the laughs and great company. You will be missed.”

“What a pleasure it is to have known you ... You lit up every room,” Gow-Gates people and talent lead Marney Hamilton said.

The funeral will start at 11am at St Andrew’s Anglican Church in Roseville, Sydney, followed by a wake at Roseville Golf Club.