James Alex Bell Barlowe was the son of James A Barlowe and Martha Barlowe. James was born on 25th September 1895 in the district of Cookstown, probably in the Stewartstown area. The family moved to Belfast. His father was a journalist. James was educated at R.B.A.I. James enlisted in September 1914. James went up through the ranks very quickly. By 29th November 1915 he attained the rank of Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant. All of this occurred while he was in England. James caught influenza and Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant Barlowe died of acute pulmonary tuberculosis at his home at Grangefield, Craigavad, County Down on 16th July 1919.