According to the 1850 census and James' death register entry, James was likely born about 1827 in Ireland.

James may have been enumerated in his mother's, Honora's, household in the 1840 census. The schedule lists an Anna Walsh, in whose household the boys' birth years fit perfectly. If "Anna" is Honora, then James would be in the "Male - 10 & under 15" age bracket.

Jamess was living in his oldest brother's household in the 28th District (Harpers Ferry) of Jefferson County, West Virginia. No occupation is listed for James.

At about 44 years old, James succumbed to pneumonia at Rock Hill in Bakerton. Rock Hill was the portion of the community at which the Flanagan and Knott quarries were located. His brother, Thomas, is listed as informant. Thomas notes that James was married, and his wife's name was Margaret, however no information has been uncovered about her to date.

A burial location for James has yet to be proven. However, it is likely he was buried in St. Peters Cemetery beside his brothers. A stone was buried behind his sister-in-law, Annie's tombstone with the intent of keeping Annie's headstone from toppling over. The stone is extremely similar to James' brother, Thomas', stone, who died only a few years later. Could this be the headstone of James? Attempts to remove the stone from its burial have been fruitless to date.