James was born in Eccleshill in 1854, the son of John and Martha Wood. He married Mary Hannah Jowett in August 1885 at St James Church, Bolton.
James was Chapel Keeper at the original chapel and graveyard sexton for 40 years. He remarkedly never missed a single service in all that time! He also officiated at 1,500 interments as sexton.
James and Mary had 3 children:
William Arthur was born in 1886 and married Hannah Kitson in 1911 at St Luke’s Church, Eccleshill
James junior was born in 1892 and was killed in action during WW1 June 26th 1916 aged 24. He is buried in Ville-Sur-Ancre, France
Selina was born in 1896 and died at the age of 13 in 1909. She is buried with her parents.
James died November 1925 aged 71, his wife on 22nd March 1932 aged 78.
Location: section 5 R16