James was born on Flinders Island to James and Fanny [née Collis] in 1893. His family moved to Launceston when he was a child.

James enlisted to join the Australian Imperial Force in January 1916 at Ross with large group of other young men.

I found this photo of James hamming it up with his Tassie mates in New South Wales waiting to head to the Western Front, found by accident.

6712 Charles Phillip Bennett, born W.A. enlisted at Ross – Carpenter

https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/323512

6715 James Dominic Cannon, born Lefroy, enlisted at Ross, Labourer

https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/358468

6716 Joseph John Cannon, born Alberton Tas, enlisted at Ross, Bridge Builder

https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/96453

6723 Arthur John Hughes, born Lefroy, enlisted at Ross, Cabinet Maker

https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/324422

6726 Guy Horace Langley, born Blessington, enlisted at Ross, Telegraph Linesman

https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/132223

6740 Edward Norman Winstanley, born Launceston, enlisted at Ross, Plumber

https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/195737

6744 Barry Ralph Augusta Wright, born Macquarie Plains, enlisted at Ross, Miner

https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/91565

6745 James Willett, born Flinders Island, enlisted at Ross, Stonemason

https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/288791

https://stors.tas.gov.au/weeklycourier$init=1480821-1-4-45-2

https://stors.tas.gov.au/weeklycourier$init=WC1916070604