Career
Born in 1835 in Boston, Massachusetts, James was still living in that city when he joined the Navy. He served during the Civil War as a captain of the top and gun captain on the United States Ship Richmond. At the Battle of Mobile Bay on August 5, 1864, he "fought his gun with skill and courage" despite heavy fire.
James died on August 3, 1914, at age 78 or 79 and was buried at Dayton National Cemetery in Dayton, Ohio.