James was born in Waterford, Ireland in 1882. He was a labourer in Bacchus Marsh, VIC when he enlisted in the AIF on the 23^rd of July 1915, aged 33. He was allotted to the 13^th Reinforcements, 7^th Battalion in November before embarking aboard the HMAT A64 Demosthenes in late December, disembarking in Egypt some time later.

After he disembarked at Marseilles, France in April 1916 he transferred to the 3^rd Machine Gun Company in August. In March 1917 he spent some time in hospital suffering from cerebro spinal fever - dangerously ill. James was appointed as a driver in August. In November 1918 he was granted three weeks leave in Paris before returning to England in March 1919. A month later he was AWL for three days and forfeited four days pay as a result. At the start of June he embarked for Australia aboard the Port Darwin, returning to Australia in late July and was discharged from the AIF in September.

He is listed on the Shire of Bacchus Marsh Roll of Honour and the Bacchus Marsh & District Roll of Honour.

Notes

1. In March 1918 the 1^st Machine Gun Battalion formed, comprising the 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd and 21^st Machine Gun Companies.