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T/5 James S. Kirkham attended high school for three years before he enlisted in Erie, Pennsylvania on 4 June 1943.

He was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously. The citation cited:
T/5 Kirkham, and aidman, was attached to Company K which suffered casualties during the initial attack and capture of Rodalbe, France. At all times under heavy enemy fire, he moved about coolly administering aid and comfort to his wounded comrades without let up. When our forces were subjected to a strong enemy counterattack led by tanks, causing additional casualties, he courageously continued administering vital aid to his wounded comrades without regard for his personal safety. When the enemy attack inside the town increased to such an extent that movement to better positions outside the town was ordered, T/5 Kirkham refused to leave, preferring to remain in the town to aid his comrades who were wounded too seriously to permit immediate evacuation under the heavy fire. Later, when our advance swept past the town, his body was found among those of the men whose lives he had tried to save. His brilliant display of courage, devotion to duty and solicitude for his wounded comrades exemplifies the highest traditions of the service and reflect the greatest credit upon T/5 Kirkham and the armed forces of the United States.

He was killed by artillery shell fragments.

He was first buried at the Temporary American Military Cemetery in Limey, France.