Born on the 4 September 1900 at Hedgehope, Southland, New Zealand, James remained in the Southland district his entire life.
He worked in the rural sector as farmer and fellmonger and similar occupations.
James Married Clothilde “Hilda” MacDonald in 1921 and the union resulted in 3 children as per the following.
| Child | Born | Died | Married | Children |
| Ian Angus McKinnell | 23 Oct 1921 | 22 Feb 2008 | Kathleen Anngow | 5 |
| Ivan John McKinnell | 07 Apr 1925 | 18 Oct 1988 | Muriel Wallace | 5 |
| Noelene Mary McKinnell | 27 Dec 1931 | 23 Nov 2005 | Christopher Smith | 3 |
James died on the 10 June 1978 at Gore, Southland, New Zealand and is buried with Hilda, who died in 1981.
