Merchant. War of 1812 Artillery Officer. James, an Irish immigrant from Armagh, travelled to America while a boy to live with a distant relative. He finally settled in Martinsburg, Virginia (now West Virginia) where he formed James Faulkner & Co with business partner Michael McKewan. The company went out of business in only two years, but James continued a merchantile business under his own name after that. In 1803 he married Sarah Mackey, the only daughter of Captain William Mackey of the Revolutionary Army. Having tried, and failed, to obtain a commission with the regular army of the United States he decided to go to Norfolk and sign up with the Virginia Militia where he served several years, quickly becoming an officer, By the time the War of 1812 broke out, he had been commissioned a Major in the artillery and commanded the Virginia artillery at Fort Barbour in Norfolk. In June of 1813 Major Faulkner was in command of the artillery on Craney Island and is creditied as a major contributor to the repulse of the British. Observing the British as they maneuvered to attack, Major Faulkner immediately ordered his heavy guns from the southeastern portion of the island to the opposite corner to lend support to the 6-pound guns already there. His quick and decisive action gained him praise from the Virginia Senate and earned him membership in the elite Society of the Cincinnati. His membership diploma was proundly displayed many years later in the office of his grandson, Judge Elisha Boyde Faulkner. After the war James became involved with the Berkeley County Overseers of the Poor, holding the office of president until his death. His death, contributed to the "effects of exposure and fatigue in camp" came only a few short years after the war had ended.