Happy Independence Day 2017

[Mike James]

Greetings to my family far and wide. Hope this post finds you well on this Fourth of July.
Just wanted to share a few quick notes.
First not only do I want to wish my nephew Ryan James a Happy Birthday today but also congratulations on the birth of his son Adrian Gregory James on June 24th. Welcome to the newest James.

I received some sad news from Marie Crowley my friend from Derry, Northern Ireland, that Robert Crockett recently passed away at the age of 95. Robbie was the extraordinary gentleman who lived where the James family farm was located in Coshquin, Northern Ireland. As you may recall I had the honor of meeting with Robbie on my trip to Ireland a few years ago. He was kind enough to share paperwork regarding the James family and their connection to the land.

At the time of my visit I met Marie Crowley and her aunt Sal. Recently I have been in contact with John James from England, his late father Robert James was from Derry and was Sal's brother. John shared the following information with me:

Hi Mike! I had an uncle try to do some family history research a few years ago (hard in Ireland as the record office burnt down last century) and he got back four or five generations to a place called Churchill in Donegal. Family legend has it that the James's were wealthy Presbyterians from Wales but one son married a catholic girl and the poor branch of the family was formed.
My parents came across to England from Derry (Creggan) a few years before I was born (many decades ago). James wasn't a common name in Derry and I was told there were really only two extended families of that name - one Catholic and one Protestant. Things may have changed in the years since but if your family were Coshquin and Donegal there's a strong chance we have a connection somewhere along the line!
All the best,
John

I had heard a little of this from Marie years ago, now I think I need to research it further

Back in the States a few months ago I was finally able to meet for the first time with Cousin Jim James, one of the Texas Jameses. It was a treat meeting with him and sharing some of the James lore.

Last month my brother Ron had his DNA genealogical chart done. While most of it was predictable it did have some surprises. If you had your DNA done please contact me. I would like to analyze it further.

Much of my updates tie in the following, my brother Ron and his wife Mary will be visiting Ireland next year and exploring the James family roots. Cousin Jim will be joining them. I hope their journey will be able expand our knowledge of our ancestry.

I hope to add some new posts this year so please take a moment and say hi, so that I know someone is reading this.

All the best,
Cousin Mike in San Diego