James Henry Albert Katzke was born in King Williamstown, Cape Colony during March 1866.  At the time of the outbreak of the Anglo Boer War he and his family were residing on the farm Misgegund, district Krugersdorp. On his death notice his nationality is noted as "German".  He fell during the Battle of Thukela Heights (12-28 February 1900) on the 27th of February 1900 at Pieters Hill, near Colenso at the age of 34.  His remains were interred at the Burgher Memorial at Caesar's Camp, outside Ladysmith with his fellow Burghers who fell during this siege.

He left behind a widow aged 25 (Christina Maria Frederika nee Dyer) and 4 small children (Lily, Henry, James & Albert).