From Farmer's Creek, Michigan, James enlisted on October 15, 1861, for 3 years of dervice at the age of 21. He took the muster oath on February 6, 1862. He re-enlisted February 6, 1864, at Rossville, Georgia. Promoted to Corporal on May 19, 1865. He mustered out of the service at Louisville, Kentucky, on July 19, 1865. His postwar address was Lapeer, Michigan.He is buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Pontiac, Michigan.