By Lucy Waldron
Stanthorpe’s own James Massey stands tall among 100 inspirational old boys at Brisbane Boys College.
With an astounding 50 years of service in the Rural Fire Service, James has become a true inspiration to his community by always running towards danger.
His unwavering commitment has earned him a well-deserved place on the prestigious Inspirational wall at his family’s college.
Reflecting on his remarkable journey, James expressed his gratitude for the recognition he has received.
“I have given my life to the Rural Fire Service, and to be awarded for my services is a great honour,“ he humbly shared.
The Massey family’s deep-rooted connection to Brisbane Boys College spans over 90 years, making them an integral part of the school’s rich history. In acknowledgment of their dedication, James had the privilege of delivering a speech on Foundation Day in 2021 to the primary, middle, and high school students. As he spoke, images of his family’s presence throughout the years circulated in the background, highlighting their profound impact on the institution.
“My uncle was one of the first intake of boys, and in the audience, as I spoke, was my grandson, so that’s 90 years of my family’s association with Brisbane Boys College,“ James proudly shared.
The Inspirational wall holds a place of prominence in the school’s new middle school building. Among the names that grace this revered space are doctors, professors, judges, and successful businessmen. These individuals serve as beacons of inspiration, encouraging young boys to dream big and envision their own futures.
For James, being in the company of such accomplished individuals on the Inspirational wall was a humbling experience. “It was a very humbling experience to be next to people who have done incredible things in our lives from our school, and for myself to be recognised in that category,“ he reflected.
During the ceremony, James was moved by the kind words of highly successful men who acknowledged the selflessness of his service. “Someone said to me, ’What you do is out of service to your community; it isn’t about money for you,’ and that was lovely to hear from highly successful men,“ James shared, touched by their recognition.
James Massey’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, as his name stands proudly among the esteemed individuals who have left an indelible mark on Brisbane Boys College.
