Benedict Selvaraj James

Benedict Selvaraj James
July 21, 1950 – November 8, 2026

After a lengthy battle with health issues, Benedict Selvaraj James took his last breath on Sunday, November 8, 2026. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Rita James (née Jones), along with his children – Roshan James and Patrick LaFrenere, and Joshua and Beth James (née May). He will be sorely missed by his grandchildren – Brinda James, Norah and Theodore Grossman, and Ayla and Zahara LaFrenere. He was a proud brother, cousin, uncle, and great uncle. He was also a kind, warm, generous, and supportive friend to many.

Everyone who knew Ben would agree that he left no stone unturned in a life lived to the fullest. Born and raised in his beloved Burma, now called Myanmar, he grew up in a large, vibrant family, with his dad working as a pharmacist/apothecary. From an early age, he demonstrated his love and devotion to his family, and remained proud of their achievements until the end. He excelled in math, art, badminton, soccer, music, and in making and fixing things. He always had a knack for cooking exceptional food, and hosting large gatherings that reflected his love for people.

Ben had a strong drive to make a good life for himself and to help everyone around him, in whatever way he could. He was iconically generous and always erred on the side of being practical, with an easygoing sense of humor and lightness that won over just about anyone who met him. He was charming with an impeccable eye for fashion, art, and antiques. He loved getting dressed up for special gatherings and church functions… or for simply going to the bank, because it was a sign of respect in his mind. He was equally comfortable in old jeans and his 'Ben James cap' when working on cars, going fishing, or going on an impromptu road trip, and he enjoyed taking photographs on his Nikon SLR along the way.

When Ben arrived in Canada in 1974, he had a few coins in his pocket. He wasted no time finding work and persevered toward a career in the automotive industry with the support of his brother, Aloysius James, his sponsor Verna Conant (daughter of E.D. Smith), and Pat Cowling who became a long-standing friend. Shortly after settling in Oshawa, he first worked at Cliff Mills Motors followed by General Motors, thanks to his friend Pat. In 1977, Ben met and married the love of his life, Rita Jones. Together, they carved an incredible path of achievement and success; first in raising their children Roshan and Joshua, while working and being involved in their church and community; and later in life as co-owners of Perfect Taste.

Through all of this, Ben endured health issues, surviving a major heart attack at 51 and battling the relentless effects of diabetes. Not one to be slowed down, Ben retired from General Motors in 2002, and applied his ingenuity, creativity and sharp business acumen into helping Rita grow Perfect Taste, a thriving company that sustained them for almost 20 years before they retired together in 2018.

In his last few weeks, what Ben spoke most about was his love and concern for his wife, children, and grandchildren; his memories growing up; his loving siblings and all that they overcame together; Sister Josephine Ann James (who perished in the Air India Flight 182 bombing in 1985); his friends Pat, Ed, Terry and Charlotte, and the late Mrs. Conant and Arthur Peacock; and life in Whitby with family friends John, Diane, Morgan, Alex and Evan Payne along with John, Jackie, Jessica, and Jayson Preiss. He reflected on his many adventures and travels, his successes and his regrets, and he was often amazed at the expansiveness of his life since his early years in Yangon, Myanmar – a testament to how he relished life and the living of it.

Ben will be remembered and celebrated at Oshawa Funeral Home, and laid to rest at Thornton Cemetery in Oshawa. Friends and family are invited to gather, or send wishes and flowers to Oshawa Funeral Home. Those who wish may donate to Diabetes Canada in memory of Ben.