Brian James’ (BJ) smile lights up any room, radiating warmth and positivity – the Murray Bridge Navy Veteran understands the power of deploying his smile, which not only brightens the atmosphere but also promotes well-being for everyone present.
A simple smile naturally boosts mood-enhancing hormones while lowering stress-related hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. It even helps him regulate his blood pressure, so that when BJ shares his smile, his muscles trigger his brain into releasing endorphins, the body's natural pain and stress relievers, creating a cycle of happiness that benefits himself and those around him.
BJ enjoying a GSSA’s Friday morning Music Therapy session, with Support Worker Hailey at the GSSA Activity Room - next to the Ability Café, 4 Seventh Street, Murray Bridge.
Born in Rose Park, Adelaide in 1954, Brian "B.J." James lived in a bustling household of six brothers and one sister. Growing up in such a lively family, Brian learned to hold his own at an early age, which sparked an interest in boxing.
His father worked as a telegraph technician, and his mother valiantly managed the household, keeping the energetic tribe in check. Brian’s early years were spent attending the Hindmarsh Infant and Primary School until Grade 3, when his family moved to Elizabeth Downs.
He continued his education at Elizabeth Park Technical College, but his heart was always set on adventure. So straight out of school, he joined the Royal Australian Navy, which marked the beginning of a remarkable journey.
Brian’s first 12 months in the Navy was spent at HMAS Leeuwin in Fremantle, Western Australia - while adjusting to the rigorous demands of military life, he continued to box, quickly rising to prominence as a talented fighter. His boxing success was a testament to his resilience and determination, qualities that would carry him through his years of service.
For nine years, Brian served on the HMAS Tobruk, HMAS Anzac, HMAS Derwent, and HMAS Stuart, with his naval career taking him to ports around the world, from Bangkok to California, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan. His travels were celebrated by the excitement of seeing unfamiliar places and the connections he made along the way—most notably, the girls he met in every port and his special girlfriend in Singapore. Brian documented his travels through tattoos, each one representing a port and helping him recall the stories he collected along the way.
Brian’s most challenging but defining moments came during his eleven tours of duty in Vietnam aboard the HMAS Derwent, a River-class destroyer escort frigate. These tours tested his strength, but Brian’s ability to persevere made him a pillar of resilience.
The HMAS Derwent was deployed to Southeast Asia on twenty-three occasions providing naval gunfire support to ground forces on four occasions and escorting the troopship, HMAS Sydney's fourth voyage to South Vietnam.
Exeter – HMAS Anzac and the HMAS Derwent escorting the HMAS Sydney to South Vietnam. (Image courtesy of the Australian War memorial)
During shore-leave, Brian met his future wife at a party. They fell in love, and despite the demands of his career, they built a life together. They had two children: Alison, who was born with cerebral palsy, and Stephen, who sadly passed away in 2019 at the age of forty.
After leaving the Navy, life back home in Elizabeth felt quieter, but it was not without challenges. Brian worked as a pipe maker at James Hardie for five years, then moved on to Corfu, a jean manufacturer, before falling on tough times and taking on odd jobs in the area.
Though Brian and his wife faced many struggles, from losing his son to navigating the challenges of raising a daughter with cerebral palsy, he found joy in the simple things. He stayed active, continuing to box and ride his bicycle, keeping the spirit of his Navy days alive until a devastating accident changed everything.
BJ proudly displaying his River Word Christian Church, Mannum’s certificate of Baptism.
While riding his push-bike to work, Brian was hit by a car, resulting in a debilitating acquired brain injury. This injury left him needing 24-7 in-home support and high-intensity care. Despite the physical and emotional toll, Brian’s spirit remained unbroken. With the kindness and care of Cass, Raylene, and the team at Genuine Support Services Australia (GSSA) he has found new purpose and a powerful sense of community. He is endlessly grateful for their support, which allows him to maintain his independence and continue living life with a smile. And that smile, as many have noted, can light up any room.
Brian loves music, playing his guitar, and attending the GSSA Music Therapy sessions on Fridays. He enjoys shopping trips with his support workers and likes to visit the Murray Bridge RSL when he can. Church in Mannum remains a vital part of his life, as does the town itself, where he lived for six and a half years and formed lifelong friendships.
Whenever he can, Brian visits the grave of his old Navy mate, Graham Walters, at Plot 444 at the Small Road Cemetery – his bond of service never fades, and for Brian, his time in the Navy remains a core part of who he is.
Through all his adventures, losses, and challenges, Brian’s cheerful outlook on life and his enduring smile continue to inspire those around him. He dreams of one day authoring a book about his life, sharing the lessons of resilience and the power of a cheerful outlook in the face of adversity. BJ is proof that no matter your hardships, a smile can carry you through the darkest days and help others get through theirs.