James Kavanaugh Shea is the son of Mickey Shea and the older brother of future attorney general Danny Shea. He grows up as a tough kid and a womanizer, in New Jersey and even meets Michael Corleone as a child in the 1930s, Due to their fathers doing business together. During World War II he becomes a hero for saving several members of his unit, and wins a medal. In the 1950's he gets married, has a son and daughter and also writes a best selling book which wins several awards.