It looks like James enlisted into the 11th Brigade on 15 Dec 1877 claiming to be single. Age given as 19 & Born Sedgley, Staffordshire. Next of kin stated to be his mother, Eliza, at Swan Street, Dudley.
He served in Gibraltar from Sep 1878-Jan 1879, and then the West Indies from Jan 1879 - Jun 1882. Transferred to the Army Reserve 12 Dec 1883.