The former Bangor solicitor was admitted in 1944 and was a partner in Russell & Co in Newtownards for many years.

He opened his own practice briefly in Crawfordsburn in the early 2000s before joining his son at David Russell & Co where he continued to practice and hold a practising certificate until 2014 as a consultant before retiring.

President of the Law Society of Northern Ireland, Brigid Napier said: “In this the 100th anniversary of the Law Society of Northern Ireland I was delighted and honoured to join in the celebrations marking James 100th birthday and to reflect on his many years of dedication to the solicitor profession.”