James was the first child born to Stephen Smithson and Priscilla Jane (Roberson) Dann.

James had nine siblings, seven of whom grew to adulthood.

James was a farmer, as was his father before him. In December 1896, James married Minne Lee Patrick. The couple bought the family farm from James' mother, an 80-acre farm in Clarcona Fl, when James' father passed.

On this farm James and Minnie had twelve children, eight of whom grew to adulthood. All of the children were born and raised on the farm. They grew a wide array of vegetable and had cows, horses, chickens and pigs and perhaps other types of animals.

James was involved in the Orange County School System. He was on the school board and at one time had a plaque honoring his contributions to the school board affixed on the side of the old Ocoee Elementary School.