Vale Judge Jamie Parrish

The Old Ivanhoe Grammarians’ are deeply saddened by the passing of former Judge James (Jamie) Parrish SC ’70 on 15 January 2026.

Jamie was a member of our gallery of achievement, a generous supporter, and a trusted mentor to many within our alumni community, as well as to the School and the Association.

Our heartfelt condolences go to his wife Prue, family and friends during this sad time.

Fidelis Usque ad Mortem.

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT, OLD IVANHOE LAW SOCIETY

On behalf of the Old Ivanhoe Law Society (OILS), I wish to express our profound shock and deep sadness at the passing of Judge James Parrish SC.

For many of us, Jamie was not only a distinguished jurist, but also a friend, a colleague, a mentor and an inspiration. His contribution to the law, and to those who practised it alongside him, was exceptional.

Jamie enjoyed a remarkable legal career. He was a highly respected barrister for more than 30 years. His area of expertise primarily revolved around personal injury matters extending to workers’ compensation, common law claims for damages in respect of industrial accidents, medical negligence, transport accidents and occupiers’ liability. Jamie is a past Chairman of the Victorian Compensation Bar Association. In 2003, he was appointed Senior Counsel for the State of Victoria and in December 2009, was appointed a judge of the County Court of Victoria. He retired in 2023.

Tragically, Jamie’s illness cut short what was to become his next chapter of service to the profession, and particularly, to OILS. Even so, he remained deeply committed to legal education. Last year, he generously gave his time by delivering a series of presentations to groups of students participating in the senior mooting competition. He spoke enthusiastically of his willingness to continue sharing his experience and formidable knowledge with students at all stages of their legal studies.

If I may add a personal reflection, Jamie possessed an incisive and disciplined legal mind, coupled with a grounded, practical wisdom that commanded attention without pretence. He was wry, warm, grounded and unfailingly courteous, including to those junior to him. I first knew Jamie as a highly successful student and athlete, and even then, these qualities were evident.
Jamie Parrish SC will be remembered not only for his professional achievements, but for the generosity of spirit and humanity he brought to the law.

He will be greatly missed by the members of the Old Ivanhoe Law Society and by the broader legal community.