James Peebles was a former captain of the Queensland representative team who enlisted in January 1916. In doing so he followed in the footsteps of his younger brothers John, another Queensland representative and future Socceroo, and the considerably younger Joseph who played for Thistle after the war. James Peebles, however, would not survive, dying in Ypres in 1917 during the battle of Messines.
Before the war he played for the Bulimba Rovers side which won the 1913 Challenge Cup. The same season Peebles captained Queensland in a two-game away series against New South Wales, which resulted in a win apiece. He also led his state in the tour game against the Newcastle representative side.
At the time Peebles enlisted at the age of 29 he was married to Christina, with the pair having a son. His military record is slight. He was assigned to the 49th Battalion and reached Marseilles in June 1916. His death just over a year later was reported widely in the Queensland press which noted his representative career.
After the war the Loyal Pride of Winder Lodge, part of the Independent Order of Oddfellows Manchester Unity, contacted the Base Records Office in Melbourne requesting a copy of his death certificate. Lodges such as the Oddfellows were non-profit mutual organisations which cared for their members in times of need, which started in the era before national welfare. The Lodge required the certificate to allow Christina Peebles to receive an allowance from the Lodge following the loss of her husband.