James Janis was born on September 28, 1902. He was married to Lois Susannah Carnahan Stephenson. He was the father of James Theodore Janis and Richard Lee Janis. He served in the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Master Sergeant during World War II.

After the fall of Bataan in the hands of the Japanese Army on April 9, 1942, MSgt Janis was one of the 10,000 to 12,000 Americans who were forced to march over 60 miles under brutal conditions, resulting in 1,000 to 5,000 deaths due to starvation, dehydration, and abuse. Survivors were sent to Camp O'Donnell, where dire conditions, including overcrowding, malnutrition, and disease, caused an additional 1,500 to 2,300 American deaths within weeks. Those who survived faced ongoing hardships, including transfers to other camps and forced labor, where many continued to suffer or die.

MSgt Janis was among the American soldiers who lost their lives in captivity on May 25, 1942. He is now buried in the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, San Diego County, California, USA.

Source of information: www.livescience.com