James has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Canadian Memorial at Vimy Ridge.

He was the son of Arthur and Elizabeth Ormerod, of Riverside Drive, Westmount, Weston, Ontario, and born in Ashton under Lyne, Lancashire, on 28 December 1896.

James enlisted with the 3rd Battalion on 15 January 1916.

The War Diary of the 3rd Battalion records for 23-24 September 1916:

"Saturday, September 23, 1916
Location: BRIGADE SUPPORT
Entry: Lieut ANGLIN reported for duty, posted to “B” Company. Company Commanders at present “A” Major DYMOND, “B” Capt McDONALD, “C” Major MOSS, “D” Major CHISHOLM. Battalion moved to trenches to relief of 1st Canadian Battalion E of COURCELETTE, by units at 7 pm. Relief complete at 1.10 am. Weather - fair.

Sunday, September 24, 1916
Location: TRENCHES
Entry: Relieved by 28th Canadian Battalion at about midnight. Very hard 24 hours with continued shelling on front line and supports as far back as SUGAR REFINERY. Disposition was “A” and “C” font line, Band D supports. 3 local counter attacks were beaten off very skillfully by “A” and “C” Companies. Casualties for 24 hours, Capt OLDHAM - Killed - Lieut MORTON - wounded. Lieut GRAY wounded 7 O.R. killed 63 O.R. wounded. Upon relief Battalion moved to ALBERT. Weather - fair."  

Paul Ormerod