He should not be confused with his close relative (who was probably his uncle) Sir James Reynolds, junior, who was Chief Baron of the Exchequer from 1730 to 1738.
He was born at Helions Bumpstead in Essex, son of Robert Reynolds and Kezia Tyrrell.
[2] After only fourteen years legal practice, he was recommended for a senior judicial position in Ireland.
After an "excellent and impartial" summing-up by the judge, the student was acquitted, to general public approval.
He never married but shared a house for many years with his unmarried sister Judith, who had a memorial erected to him.