Born in 1897, James was the Son of Joseph and Elizabeth Whitaker, of Barker House, Galgate, Lancaster.

In the 1911 census, he was listed as a schoolboy. His siblings, in 1911, were: Margaret Whitaker, Mary Whitaker, Violet Ann Whitaker, William Whitaker, Joseph Whitaker, Gwendoline E Whitaker and David Whitaker.

“The deepest sympathy will be extended to Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Whitaker, Barker House Farm, Galgate, in the receipt of the news of the death, on Sept. 9th, of their second son, Corpl. James Barker Whitaker (20), K.O. Deceased was a promising youth. He was educated at Sulyard-street Council School and was associated with Galgate Wesleyan Church. Prior to the war he was a clerk in the Goods Warehouse at the Midland Station, Lancaster, having previously been at Vicker's Works, Barrow. On Friday morning a letter was received from Major F. W. Seward, Second Fifth, dated Sept. 10th : "It is with very much regret that I write to inform you that your son, Corpl. J. B. Whitaker, was killed in action on the night of Sept. 9th. As his commanding officer, I frequently came into contact with him, and it afforded me much pleasure four days ago, on account of his good services to promote him to the rank of full corporal. I must add that your son died instantaneously from the effects of a bomb thrown by the Germans who attempted to raid the post he was occupying. He, with others, made a good fight, and they were the means of driving the enemy back in disorder. The officers and other ranks of his company, always held your son in the highest esteem, and it will be, I know, some small consolation to you to know that your son died defending his home, his King, and his country. In the name of all the officers and other ranks, I tender you our deepest sympathy in your sad bereavement."

A comrade, Ernest E. Mount, on Sept. 10th, wrote: "It is with a heavy heart that I write, but I am fulfilling a solemn promise I made to Jim when we were in England. Little did I realise how hard and painful the task would be. I am very grieved to have to tell you that poor Jim was buried in the village this afternoon. His grave is near the quaint old French Church, the last rites being performed by the Wesleyan chaplain..........Whilst in England, and whilst with him out here, we were bosom pals. I have indeed lost a valued chum, but what must your lot be! He was always cheerful, and his fearlessness surprised us all. His life, godly and pure, was an example to us all, and surely there lies the greatest possible consolation." Sergt. W. H. Hartley added: "I'm sure there is not a man or officer in the company who, not only respected, but loved him. His geniality and kindly words to men and N.C.O.'s earned him the reward they could only give."

Lance-Corpl. G. J. Woof also sent a tribute to his fellow Non. Com. (Lancaster Guardian, 6 October 1917).