James was born on 5th May 1889 to Joseph, a mill and foundry furnisher, and Hannah Greenhalgh of Timperley. He was educated at St. George the Martyr’s School and the Bolton Church Institute.

He entered Manchester University in 1907, prior to which he was a student teacher at St. James’ School, Gorton. He gained a BA in 1910, a Teachers Certificate Class II in 1910, and an M.A. in Philology in 1912. He was a member of the Officer Training Corps from November 1908 to September 1911.

After leaving the University James was a Classics Master at Lord Williams’s Grammar School, Thame, Oxfordshire for two years and then took up an appointment at Ashton-in-Makerfield Grammar School. James was a prominent footballer playing for his school, the University and Bolton Wanderers. He secured his colours for three different counties.

Being on the Reserve of Officers he was gazetted 2nd Lieutenant to the 1st Battalion Cheshire Regiment on 6th Aug 1914. He left for France on 7th September 1914 and saw action at the Battle of the Aisne, La Bassee, Festubert and Violannes.

On the 19th October 1914 his Captain was wounded and Greenhalgh took charge, driving the Germans out of their position, but unable to hold it he and his men retired to their own trenches, collecting the wounded on the way. Three days later he was wounded and died.

James is commemorated on Le Touret Memorial, France and is also remembered on University of Manchester War Memorial, Bolton Church Institute School War Memorial, Ashton-in-Makerfield Grammar School WW1 Memorial Plaque, Christ Church War Memorial, Timperley and in Thame on Lord Williams’s School Memorial Board.