Mr James Blaney was born in the townland of Craigs on the outskirts of Rasharkin¹, Co Antrim, Ireland, on 10 January 1880.²

Hailing from a Catholic family, he was the son of John Blaney (b. circa 1832), a blacksmith, and the former Catherine McAtamney (b. circa 1849), natives of surrounding townlands who were married in Rasharkin on 1 April 1879. Blaney's family were blacksmiths in Rasharkin and later Ballintoy on the north coast of Co Antrim.   

James’ siblings were: Mary Jane³ (b. 26 October 1876 in Rasharkin), Annie (b. 27 July 1881 in Ballycastle), Daniel⁴ (b. 26 July 1884 in Ballintoy), Catherine⁵ (b. 2 June 1887 in Ballintoy) and Sarah⁶ (b. 4 June 1891 in Ballintoy).

The family appears on the 1901 census as residents of 12 Union Street in Ballycastle, Co Antrim, but James was not present. The following year, his sister Annie, who was unmarried, gave birth to a daughter named Mary Catherine⁷, who was welcomed on 22 May 1902. The child appears to have been raised by her grandparents as their own. 

In April 1908, James’ father, whilst at work at Carnduff Quarry, sustained an injury to one of his eyes, leading to him being sent to a hospital in Belfast for treatment. He developed meningitis and died on 11 April 1908, reportedly aged 76. His widow claimed compensation under the Workmen’s Compensation Act.

Following this loss, James’ mother, Catherine, relocated to the USA, joining James’ siblings who had settled in Boston over the previous few years. Catherine appears on the 1910 census living with her daughters Catherine and Sarah and granddaughter Mary at Parker Street in that city. 

Prior to that, James had left Irish shores and enlisted with the Royal Navy, training aboard Caledonia from January to September 1896. He then served aboard Boscawen, Alexandra and Prince George until October 1898. Although being of good conduct, he was discharged as his services were no longer required, leading him to return to labouring work. 

On 15 February 1902 he was enlisted into the 4th Highland Light Infantry (71st & 74th Foot) of the British Army; unmarried, his then address was given as 205 Main Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, and he had previously been working as a labourer at the Clyde tubeworks. He was described as 5’ 4” in height, 166lb in weight, with a fresh complexion, grey eyes and brown hair. He had several tattoos which were also described in detail. He was declared fit and signed for a term of six years of service as a Private.

Sometime after leaving the army, Blaney joined the White Star Line as a fireman.

When he signed onto the Titanic he gave his age as 29, and his address as the Sailors' Home, Southampton. He had transferred from the Narrung.

James Blaney died in the disaster, and his body, if recovered, was never identified.

His mother, Catherine remained a resident of Boston, later living with her granddaughter Mary Catherine (appearing with her on the 1940 census at 125 Green Street); she died in 1942 and is buried in Mount Benedict Cemetery in West Roxbury, Massachusetts.