James H. Bright was the son of Mahlon Bright and Eliza Abel. He came to Iowa with his parents at the age of nine. They made their home in Lee County and farmed for two years. They purchased land in Henry County, Iowa, where they farmed for almost 25 years.

James was farming with his father when he enlisted in the Union army.

James was a resident of Henry County, Iowa, when he enlisted as a Private for three years of service on 18 Mar 1864 at the age of 18 years. He mustered in Co K 4th Iowa Cavalry on 18 Mar 1864, the same day he enlisted. The regiment was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee, and he joined the command at Memphis. His first battle was at Guntown, Mississippi, Jun 1864. After the battle he became ill and was placed in the field hospital. He was given a 30 day furlough and sent home to recover. After his recovery he again joined his command at Memphis. He participated in several battles, and was in Macon, Georgia, at the time of Lee's surrender. James mustered out 8 Aug 1865 at Atlanta, Georgia.

Lebbeus Bright, James' brother, also enlisted in Co K 4th Iowa Cavalry

After his discharge, he returned to Iowa and worked on his father's farm. In 1873 he married Mary Beshears at Mt. Pleasant. They moved to Page County, Iowa, where James purchased land, eventually owning over 2000 acres in the Nishnabota Valley. He farmed, but he also raised stock and became a breeder and shipper of cattle and hogs. James was a member of the Republican party and served as justice of the peace.

James and Mary had seven children: Nellie, Jesse, Pearl, Effie, Anna, Roy, and Glenn. Mary died in 1891. On 3 Jan 1912 James married Pearl Priestman at Red Oak, Iowa, and shortly afterwards moved to the town of Shenandoah.

James died in Houston, Texas, in 1917 at the age of 71 years 10 months.