James served in the Armed Forces with the R.C.A.F. during WW2. James also worked at Courtalds Canada LTD as a Stationary Engineer for many years until his illness prevented him from continuing to work. James suffered from asthma and emphysema.

James married Rita Hayes on September 18th, 1944 in Ottawa. After they were discharged from the armed forces, RCAF division, they moved to Cornwall ON.
Following their marriage their children were born: Sandra (1945), James (1947), Catherine (1948) , and twins Gary and Gordon (1949). They lived in Cornwall for many years.

I remember when we would ĺ go for a ride in rhe country. Along HWY 2, along St. Laurent River. With all 5 kids loose in the back seat. No seatbelts in those days. We used to go to the end of Pitt Street at McDonnels Inn. For ice cream. We all got horse back rides with our father when he crossed his Knees. The day he died, I was 10 yrs old. We all got our report cards, and went down to the hospital to show them to him. But he had passed away. We were waiting in the front entrance of the Old Cornwall General Hospital. In the lobby there was a large water fountain with gold fish.