James Patrick was born in 1897, the son of Robert Francis, born 1876, [Labourer], and Catherine, born 1875, (nee Maddison) both born in Gateshead. They were married in 1894, residing at 14 Leonard's Court, Gateshead. Then 64 Albert Street, Gateshead, followed by 1 Waggon Yard, High Street, Gateshead, and by the 1911 Census they are all residing at 14 Easton Court in Gateshead.

They had 15 childen in total, but only 7 survived, Owen, born 1894, died 1896, John William, born 1896, died 1st July 1916, James, born 1897, Catherine, born and died 1899, Owen, born 1900, Robert, born 1902, died 1905, Francis Michael, born 1904 died 1906, Robert Francis, born 1906, Catherine, born 1908 Dorothy, born 1910, Elizabeth born and died 1912, Lancelot, born and died 1913, Jane born 1914 and died 1915, Michael, born and died 1916 and Isabella born 1917.

James enlisted into 'B' Company, 2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry on the 11th December 1915. Service number 32450.

He was in the UK until the 30th August 1916, on the 31st August he was in France.