James Brown was born in Chester in 1883, son of James and Mary J Brown (nee Baker). He married Edith Gregory at Chester Register Office on 28th January 1908. He had two children, Edith Mary born 1908 and Hilda May born 1911. The family lived at 33 Spotted Row, Burntwood. James was a plasterer (like his father) before he enlisted in July 1915. He was posted to France on 18th December 1915. Based on CWGC records and his Medal Card he was killed in action 12th May 1916. Soldiers Died in the Great War gives the date as 12 May 1917.

James is commemorated on the family grave at Overleigh Cemetery, Chester, on the war memorial in St Marys-Without-the Walls Church, Handbridge, Chester and in Chester Town Hall. The grave records that James’s brother, Reuben served with the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, 238th Depot. Service Number 230829, and died from wounds, in Halifax, aged 23 years in 1918.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56394237/james-brown