De Ruvigny Roll of Honour Vol 1 page 1
James was born in Durham on the 8th June 1880. He was married on the 26th March 1900, at Brandon, Durham, to Margaret Hannah, daughter of George Stringer of New Brancepeth, Durham. They had two children, James Gordon, born 16th May 1913 and Vera Rebecca, born 19th October 1911.
He joined the army on the 10th July 1900, and served nine years with the colours and five years with the reserve.
He served in the South African campaign in which he received the South African Medal with 4 clasps.
On the outbreak of war he was called up, and after going through the Battle of Ypres he was killed by a shell, while resting in a wood, on the 30th April 1915.
De Ruvigny Roll of Honour
James Aberdeen is remembered at New Brancepeth on N62.01 and N61.02