James Jardine Bell-Irving was a Scottish businessman in Hong Kong and China and member of the Executive Council and Legislative Council of Hong Kong.
Background
Son of John Bell-Irving and Mary Jardine, nephew of Doctor William Jardine and sister of Sir Robert Jardine, James Jardine was born at Makerstoun, Kelso, Roxburghshire, Scotland on 24 December 1859 in the family of the Jardine Matheson & Company, one of the largest trading firms in the Far E.
Education
Studied at Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh.
Career
He arrived in China in 1881 and became a partner at the company in 1887. He became a director of company for from 1887 to 1902 and also numerous public companies, including the chairman of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation. After going back to England, he lived at Minto House, Hawick and Rokeby, Barnard Castle, and bought the Makerstoun property on the River Tweed near Kelso afterward.
He died in London on 8 June 1936.
Ethel Mary (born 4 October 1891) married Ian Maitland, 15th Earl of Lauderdale
Eva Margaretta (born 20 July 1893).
Membership
He was appointed as unofficial member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong in 1892, 1893, 1896 and 1901 and became the first of the two unofficial members in the Executive Council of Hong Kong in 1896 and again in 1901, until he retired from public and business services and returned to England in 1902.
Interests
Racing, coursing, is a keen shot and fisherman, and fond of hunting, cricket, curling, and farming.
Connections
Spouse 1890, Eva Gertrude, 3rddaughter of late Benjamin Piercy of Marchwiel Hall, Wrexham, and Macomer, Sardinia.