James was born 21 October, 1853 in County Clare, Ireland, his parents were Matthew Kelly & Mary McMahon, his sponsors at his baptism were William & Margaret Brew. James worked as a school teacher from 12 Sep 1873 at Kerr St. State School, Collingwood, then transferred to Rutherglen as 2nd assistant. He sat & failed his teachers exams on 8/1/1874, & was demoted to 4th Asst. on 1/4/1874.
On 12/6/1874 he was transferred to Wangaratta. On 21/2/1878 he was transferred to Melbourne Rd. State School, Beechworth, he also taught at Beechworth State School night school.
In Dec 1880 there was a complaint of misconduct against him & he was removed to "a School of smaller size" On 16/2/1882 he was transferred to Emu Bridge State School (near Benalla), then later in 1882 he taught half time at Emu Bridge & Ryans Bridge Schools, attendance of only 20 pupils each.
In 1883 he was again in trouble with the law "he was seen about Beechworth in a state of intoxication & conducting himself in a most disgraceful manner", he was thereupon fined 2pound 10/- plus 1pound 12/6d costs or one month's gaol. James paid the fines & resigned just before he was dismissed on 18/8/1883, for "conduct unbecoming a teacher".
He then worked as a commercial traveller to 1887. He lived in Burke St, Cootamundra in 1887 when he was married. He died in 1894 from Phthisis (TB) following a three months illness in St Josephs Sanitorium, Sydney(Auburn?), 40yrs old. He was a member of the Roman Catholic Church. He is buried in Rookwood Cemetery, Section GG, Grave 2, Subbsection Block 7, No 1 Mortuary.
