James was christened in St. Patricks RC Church, Long Island City, Queens Co., NY. He was educated at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Grade School, June 1936; La Salle Academy Second Ave. New York, June 1940, St. John's University, Brooklyn, NY, BS Business Administration 1955.

James' military record: US Marine Corp 17 Nov 1942 - 19 Oct 1945. Serial # 502233. Served Kwajalein Eniwetok, Marshall Islands, New Hebridges, New Zealand, West Samoa. Received the Purple Heart for wounds at Bougainville. Participated in offensive landing on Guam 21 Jul 1944, and Empress Augusta Bay, Bougainville 1 Nov 1943 - 25 Dec 1943. Authorized to wear Asiatic Pacific Ribon with three stars. Awarded the Purple Heart in consolidation on Northern Solomon A31374. ‏(Copy of records in possession of Patricia K. Cassidy.)‏

James and Patricia were married in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel RC Church, Astoria, NY. James is buried in Mount St. Mary's Cemetery, Flushing, Queens Co., NY.