Benjamin James

My Story

Welcome, I’m Ben and I’m so pleased you have navigated your way here to find out more about me and the work I am so passionate about. 

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How did I end up here? It was a thought in my mind for a long time, and through the deeply personal and community focused experience of honouring the life of a dear friend, who left this life too soon, I was shown a way of approaching the experience of death, grief and loss in an entirely different way. This experience highlighted the transformative power of rituals and holistic support in guiding communities through the process of healing.

It was at this point I felt my calling in being able to show up for others at this sensitive and vulnerable time and I embarked on learning everything I could to share that knowledge with people in need and be part of the change in how we respond to death.

I think I have always been unique and somewhat outside the box, whether it be with my previous careers, my hobbies, my identity and sexuality as a gay man, my relationships with others, my experiences with mental health and where I fit in this world. All these areas of my life experience have helped shape who I am today and what I am able to bring to others, and to me that’s the exciting part. 

I guess “exciting” is an unusual word to use when we talk about end of life and how we respond to death. I don’t use this word lightly; I use it having drawn on my own experience of the transformative comfort that can come with being fully empowered at this final stage of life. The possibilities availed to us when we are given the information to make informed decisions and think outside of what we may consider the norm. To be part of a community’s transformation is the “exciting” part for me, to show up in my entirety and sit alongside people as they navigate their own experience.  

I am a Funeral Director, I am a Celebrant, I am an End-of-Life Doula. Roles that may not necessarily seem unusual or unique, and in part they aren’t. The uniqueness comes in being all of these and the continuum of care that can be offered throughout the whole end of life experience. Unique in that the role of an end-of-life doula within Australia, and around the world, is a space that has primarily been occupied by women who harness their maternal, nurturing instincts to provide support and comfort. Can men offer the same support? Of course they can, and in certain situations, when meeting the needs of individuals, they may be able to offer more because of who they are and what they have experienced. I acknowledge that gender can play a role in how individuals respond to death through coping mechanisms, communication styles, expressing emotion and an emphasis on autonomy. 

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Starting a conversation often leads to unexpected and remarkable insights. My involvement is all about tailoring the journey to your needs. So, I invite you to reach out and let's chat. Together, we can explore the possibilities ahead.

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Based in Sydney, my support stretches across the city and its surroundings. Don't hesitate to get in touch, and let's kick off this journey together, preparing for whatever lies ahead.

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Training and Experience 

End-of-Life Doula training by Preparing the Way.

Practitioner Member of HELD - Holistic End of Life Death Care Australia  

End of Life Law for Clinicians - 13 Modules, 11 Credit Hours

The Centre for Sacred Deathcare - “When Death is Coming”

Authorised Marriage Celebrant 

Funeral Consultancy and Celebrancy with Zenith Virago of the Natural Death Care Centre