James Thomas Calvert (called Tom) was born 27 Jun 1892 in Spartanburg, S.C., a son of James Thomas and Mary Louise (Petty) Calvert. He had the following siblings: May (1884-1955); Edward (1886-1888); Charles Petty (1889-1928); Julia (ca1895- ?).

Tom attended Wofford College in 1911-1913. The 1913 yearbook documents his activities as follows: member of the Calhoun Club, the Terpsichorean Club, and the Mineralogy Club

He registered for the draft 2 Jun 1917. At the time, he was working as a bookkeeper for the South Carolina Light, Power, and Railway Company. His draft card describes him as medium height and build with blue eyes and brown hair.

James entered the National Army 21 Sep 1917 in Co. L, 323rd Infantry. On 18 Oct 1917 he transferred to Co. C, 105th Ammunition Train where he served until his discharge. He was promoted to Corporal 11 Oct 1917; demoted to Private 17 Oct 1917; promoted to Private First Class 20 Feb 1918; and Corporal 5 May 1918. He served with the American Expeditionary Forces 26 May 1918 to 28 Mar 1919. He returned home on the S.S. Kroningen Der Nedelander, leaving St. Nazaire, France, 13 Mar 1919. He was honorably discharged 3 Apr 1919. His service number was 1331253.

In 1920, James was living with his widowed mother and sister at 300 E. Main St., Spartanburg, and working as an automobile salesman. He married Billie Christ (1900-1956). After her death, he married Beulah Rebecca Bumgarner in 1963.

Tom died 12 Jan 1976 in Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., N.C., and is buried in Sharon Memorial Park, Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., N.C.