Brother Benilde James Loxham Fsc

Br. Benilde James Loxham, FSC, 88 of De La Salle Hall, New Jersey, formerly of Christian Brothers Center, Narragansett, Rhode Island, died on March 5, 2022. Br. James was born in Nelson, Lancashire, England, on January 21, 1934. He was the son of the late Robert Loxham, Eleanor (Marsden) Forrest, and Frederick Forrest. He is survived by his brother William Forrest, his sister Kathleen Pepe and multiple nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother, John Forrest. He cherished family time and treasured the special bond he shared with his grandniece, Kathryn. He entered the Novitiate in Barrytown, New York in 1950, where he received the Religious Habit and the name Benilde James. His Perpetual Vows were pronounced in Barrytown, NY, in 1959. Br. James answered his calling to the Brothers at the age of 13, when he entered the Brothers’ Juniorate in Great Britian. Following his move to the United States and entrance into the Novitiate, he went to the Scholasticate at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., from 1951-1955. He began his beloved teaching career at Sacred Heart School in the Bronx, NY. He then taught music and English at St. Joseph's Jr. Novitiate in Barrytown, later moving to Mater Christi High School in Astoria, Queens NY. In 1966, Br. James moved to Rhode Island and became the Sub-Director of Novices in Narragansett. La Salle Academy, Providence, was his next assignment, where he was delighted to teach in the music department and to found the La Salle Chorus. He graciously accepted the role as Visitor to the LI-NE (Long Island, New England) District from 1975 - 78. He then returned to school full-time, where he received his Bachelors and Master’s Degree in music. The remainder of his career was spent touching the hearts of students at Salve Regina College, Newport, RI, Manhattan College, NY, and the De La Salle School Freeport, NY as their Music Director. Br. James impacted many students as a talented music teacher and a brilliant teacher of literature and theology/scripture. After retirement in 2001, he continued to follow his calling and volunteered in various roles as a catechist, musician, and teacher at Saint Peter Claver Church Brooklyn, NY, and Martin de Porres, Rosemont, NY. Always joyful, his passion for literature and poetry inspired former students and colleagues. He will be fondly remembered for the insightful meditations and reflections he created as well as his extraordinary love of Gregorian chant. Eamon Coughlin, who knew him well shares, "His e-mails, more like homilies, were tender, warm, and rooted in his deep love of Scriptures and the Brothers. We who knew and loved Benilde will never see his like again." Calling hours will be held Friday, March 11, 2022, from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm and Saturday 9:00 am to 10:00 am at Christian Brothers Center, 635 Ocean Road, Narragansett, RI. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, March 12, 2022, at 10:30 am at The Chapel of Our Lady of the Star, Christian Brothers Center. Burial will take place at Christian Brothers Cemetery following Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christian Brothers Center, 635 Ocean Rd, Narragansett, RI, 02882 to support the missions dear to Br. James’ heart.