James Balls

A Deck Hand with Dredger Mercurius (London), James died on 28th of June 1916 at the age of 65. 

James was born at Lowestoft on 7 February 1852, a son of William and Sarah Balls. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 4 April 1852. In 1861 his family lived at 15 Jacob's Street, Lowestoft, and this was still their home in 1871 when James worked as a fisherman. 

On 5 October 1873 James married Sarah Ann Drake at Saint Michael's Church, Oulton. James was working as a fisherman and they both lived at Oulton. In 1881 they lived at Laundry Lane and James was a fisherman. In 1891 their address was 7 Laundry Lane and James worked as a dock labourer. In 1901 they were still living at Laundry Lane and James was a master stevedore. In 1911 their address was 16 Laundry Lane and James was a dock labourer at Lowestoft Quay. 

Later Sarah lived at 13 Clemence Street, Lowestoft, and, in 1921, at 45 Norwich Road. 

During the First World War James returned to sea and worked on the dredger Mercurius. 

On 28 June 1916 the Mercurius was on a voyage from Southampton to Immingham when it struck a mine about three miles south-east of Lowestoft and sank with all hands.