St. James the Elder was an apostle of Jesus and the brother of John. Born into a Jewish fishing family in Bethsaida, he was among the first disciples called to follow Jesus. He was part of an inner circle of three apostles, including Peter and John, who were present during significant events such as the Transfiguration. Known as one of the "Sons of Thunder" due to his temperament, he was the first of the apostles to be martyred, dying by the sword in Jerusalem around 44 AD.