[3] Like his brothers, James was educated at Dubourdien's School, a well-regarded private academy in Lisburn.
He married Elizabeth Lyster and had a numerous family, including James, Archdeacon of Dromore from 1832 to 1879;[4] and Colonel William Saurin.
He as appointed to St Doulagh's Church, Dublin in 1788, and in 1801, made vicar of Rosenallis in Kildare.
A plaque in Dromore Cathedral praises his 22 years of "mild and paternal authority, fulfilling his duties with affection and constancy".
While his brother William was a passionate supporter of the Orange Order and noted for his violent prejudice against Roman Catholics,[6] this tribute suggests that James was more moderate in his religious views.