B.A. (Asia Pacific Studies) LL.B.
(EMC 1995 – 1996)
12/12/1977 – 29/03/2024
We farewell former Emmanuel College alumnus and renowned Brisbane criminal defence lawyer James Benjamin, who tragically lost his battle with cancer on 29 March 2024, aged 46 years.
James Philip Benjamin was born in Brisbane but spent most of his childhood in Kingaroy. At the age of 12 James commenced as a boarder at Churchie, studying there until he graduated in 1994. During his schooling James excelled in debating and Indonesian. He was also an avid Rugby player and won a premiership with the fighting fifths in his final year.
While at College James threw his heart and soul into everything that Emmanuel had to offer. From the rugby field to the musical theatre stage, his contributions knew no limit. James was an approachable and curious soul which led to a range of friendships across all walks of life. David said you would struggle to find anyone who attended Emmanuel during those two years who didn’t have a story which involved a good laugh or a caring cry with James ‘the Bishop’ Benjamin.
James was a strong advocate for youth support and the view that everyone deserved the appropriate defence. He was held in the highest regard by the many Judges, barristers and lawyers that attended his funeral. In her Eulogy, the Hon. Justice S Ryan remembered James as a dignified man and lawyer, a trusted hand who could be counted on to act with kindness, fairness and diligence with every case he undertook.
James came across Rudyard Kipling’s poem ‘If’ as a young lad and chose to be guided by it through all that life threw at him. His favourite part captured the essence of who he was, how he lived and the legacy he leaves.
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’
