James was born on September 18th, 1859 and his baptism took place on September 18th, 1859 in Ballingarry. His godfather was Mick John and his godmother was Peggy Fogarty. James' father was James Casey and his mother was Jane (Janie) Fogarty. His maternal grandparents are James Fogarty and Eliza Bermingham. He had six brothers and a sister, named Edward, Ed?, Michael, John, E???, William and Margaret. He was the oldest of the eight children.