Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of James Ball a Driver at a Quarry, born 1865 in Ratby, Leicestershire and his wife Eliza, born 1862 in Ratby, Leicestershire. James William was a Crane Cleaner and Guard at a Quarry and was born in 1893 in Ratby, Leicestershire, his siblings were Bertha, born 1897, John Tom, born 1899, Fred, born 1901, Clarence, born 1904 and Nora E., born 1905, all his siblings were born in Ratby, Leicestershire. In April 1911 the family home was at Markfield Lane, Ratby, Leicestershire, later changed to Main Street, Ratby, Leicestershire. James later married and became the husband of Edith Elizabeth Fanton (formerly Ball) of 21, Station Road, Kirby Muxloe, Leicestershire. The War Diary entry for the 12th October 1917 records. DICKEBUSCH. “A”, “B” and “C” Companies continued work as before. “D” Company returned from rest camp. Operational Order 36 issued (copy attached). 3 men were wounded at work. 3 men proceeded on leave to ENGLAND.