In Memory of Dr. Brian James

It’s with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Brian Robert James (1936-2026). Brian was born and raised in Handsworth Wood, Birmingham, England. From humble beginnings, he won a scholarship to Oxford where with diligence, a healthy sense of humour, and self-proclaimed “bloody hard work”, Brian rose to the highest echelons of academia. Despite the academic accolades, throughout his life Brian always remained a working-class Brummie holding the belief that through hard work and persistence anything can, and will be, achieved.

In his more than 60-year career at UBC’s Department of Chemistry, Brian was a prolific researcher and author, publishing over 500 academic papers and the landmark book Homogenous Hydrogenation (1973). Brian won numerous international and national awards. He was most proud of being a mentor, and teacher to 54 PhD and 26 MSc students, and more than 100 postdoctoral fellows and visiting faculty members.

Alongside his academic achievements, Brian was a gifted athlete, founding member of the UBC Occasionals soccer club, and leader of the UBC Occasionals Cricket Club between 1964 and 1980. In addition to being a player, Brian was a keen coach, mentor and referee for countless youth soccer and cricket teams.

Brian was most proud of his family. Brian made sure that his entire family, be they in England or Canada, was cared for and loved.

Brian and Jane are survived by daughters Jennifer James Nicol (Jerome Nicol) in New Westminster, and Sarah Elizabeth James (Lesley Field) in Campbell River, sons, Peter Edward James (Shelley James) in Halifax, and Andrew Francis James (Susan James) in Surrey; devoted grandchildren Keegan, Hannah, Payton, CJ, Trevor, and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed.

A celebration of Brian's life will be held in Vancouver, B.C. at a later date.