More information supplied by researcher Donna Maxwell

His father died when he was 2 and he came to Canada at age 12. He had one sister. John finished grade 8 and ½ of grade 9.  Occupations: Quarry labourer, farm labourer with experience in mixed farming, and road construction.   John enlisted September 11, 1939 in Madoc, ON Unit: H.P.E.R. Reason: “SENSE OF DUTY.”

He had taken Stretcher-bearer First Aid Courses. John deplored violence and desired to be a R.C.A.M.C. Assistant.  John was reported MIA July 1943 and in October 1943 was declared POW PG.66.PM.3400 Italy.   December 1943 John died of pneumonia while at the Lazarett Spittal Stalag 18A POW camp. He was originally buried in Austria before being moved to Villanova.

Stalag 18A was liberated by British 8th Army. June 1945 Camp becomes detention centre for ex-Nazis run by British Intelligence.

At the time of his death one daughter was a teenager and the youngest was just starting public school.

A street in Marmora is named after James.

Theaters & Dates of Service                                                                Canada     11-Sept-39 to 19-Dec 39                                                        UK              20-Dec-39 to 13-Jun-43                                                         Italy          14-Jun-43 to 29-Oct-43

Awarded: Canadian Volunteer Service Medal