James Shaw was born in County Down and educated at Queen's College, Belfast. From 1869 to 1878 he was Professor of Metaphysics at Magee College, Derry, and in 1878 was called to the Bar. He served as Whately Professor in Trinity College, Dublin, from 1876 to 1891 and in 1891, became Commissioner of Education and a county court judge in County Kerry, transferring to County Antrim in 1909. He framed the statutes of Queen's University, Belfast, and became Pro-Chancellor. In 1909 he was Recorder of Belfast.

Born:	1845
Died:	1910