Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of John Morrison, a farm labourer, born 1850 in Stonesby, Leicestershire and his wife Mary Ann Morrison (nee Gunby, nee Kellam, married in the 2nd quarter of 1885 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district), born 1851 in Thorpe Arnold, Leicestershire. James was born in the 2nd quarter of 1888 in Waltham on the Wolds, Leicestershire, his half blood siblings were, Mary Ann Kellam, a schoolgirl, born 1880 and William Kellam, a schoolboy, born 1882 and full blood siblings, Tom, a schoolboy, born 1886 and Sarah, a schoolgirl, born 1887, all his siblings were born in Waltham on the Wolds, in April 1891 the family home was at Workhouse Yard, Main Street, Waltham on the Wolds. In March 1901 James was residing in the family home at Waltham on the Wolds, together with his father, a farm labourer, his mother and brother George, born in the 2nd quarter of 1891 in Waltham on the Wolds. In April 1911, James was employed as a farm labourer and was residing in the family home in Workhouse Yard, Main Street, Waltham on the Wolds, together with his father, a farm labourer, his mother and brother Tom, a farm labourer. James died in the 45th Casualty Clearing Station of wounds received in action, he was awarded the British War and Victory medals. James’ younger brother George fell in action in 1915.
On Friday October 6th 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON MOWBRAY AND DISTRICT.” – WALTHAM. – TWO LOCAL SOLDIERS KILLED. We regret to learn that two more soldiers connected with this village have lost their lives. Pte. James Morrison, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Morrison, of Waltham, was killed in action. He formerly lived with Mr. John Robinson, Thorpe Arnold Lodge. His brother Pte. George Morrison, who worked for Major W. Mann-Thornton, Scalford Hall, was killed almost a year ago. Suitable reference to the death of Pte. J. Morrison was made at the Parish Church by the Rev. B. H. Smith, vicar, and at the close the “Dead March” in “Saul” was played by Miss Robinson on the organ. Pte. Charles Wade of Oakham, has also been killed in action. He was well known locally having married Miss Mary Head of Waltham, and much sympathy will be felt for the bereaved widow and child, who are now living at Waltham, also for Mr. and Mrs. Morrison.