Regimental Number: 812212
Rank: Corporal
Branch: 7th Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops
James was born in Codnor, Derbyshire, England on May 11, 1884. He worked as a coal miner as a young man in England. On September 13, 1911, James married Lily Smithard in England. They came to Canada in 1912, and James eventually filed on land at SW 8-71-6-W6 and NE 24-70-7-W6. By the time James enlisted in June of 1916, he and Lily had four children ranging in age from three months to four years. His brothers Joseph and William served as well. Jim died in Grande Prairie on May 10, 1961.
Sources: surname files; Pioneers of the Peace p. 263; Along the Wapiti p. 178, 411; Centennial Celebration Edson Trail p. 74, 122; NT Aug 22 1935