James Kavanagh was born on 20 May 1915 in the townland of Money Big in rural Arklow to parents William Kavanagh and Sarah Dunne. James was named after his maternal grandfather.
On the night of 18 April 1926, James was recorded in the townland of Ballinabanoge, Co. Wicklow, with his parents and siblings; Henry, Mary and Elizabeth.
James is listed as 10 years and 11 months old, born at Money Big, Co. Wicklow, and attending the local school.