James migrated with his parents and siblings to Orange County, North Carolina circa 1758.
Circa 1770, James married Sarah Wood in Orange County, North Carolina.
James was executed west of Hillsborough, North Carolina on May 17, 1771, after taking part in the Battle of Alamance.
James was hanged at the militia's camp approximately five miles northeast of the Alamance battlefield (as described by William Tryon in his orders book).
His brother, William Few, later became known for his service as an officer during the American Revolutionary War and as a politician in Georgia and New York.