James Shortis was born in South Melbourne c.1887. When he enlisted on 6 March 1916 he was 29, single and working as a horse-driver. He gave his address as 528 Albert Street, East Melbourne, on the corner of Nicholson Street and now the site of Orica House (ICI House). He nominated his mother, Bridget McAlroy of South Melbourne, as his next of kin. He was 5ft 10ins with a fresh complexion, hazel eyes and dark brown hair. He was appointed to A Company 22nd Depot Battalion and sent for training to Royal Park. A note from Headquarters, 3rd Military District dated 25 May 1916 says:
With reference to James Shortis paraded this day for false answer on attestation. The District Commandant deferred passing sentence on his promise of good behaviour, and directed that he be allotted to early Reinforcements. Please arrange his transfer to Broadmeadows where the Commandant requested that he be given Musketry Training and embarked.
At Broadmeadows he was transferred to the 5th Battalion, 18th Reinforcements. He embarked on 3 July 1916 aboard HMAT Ayrshire, disembarking at Plymouth on 2 September 1916. He joined the 2nd Training Battalion, part of the 5th Battalion, at No. 3 Camp, Perham Downs on 15 September 1916. On 14 October he proceeded overseas to join the 59th Battalion and was taken on strength on 3 November. On 14 and 15 November 1916 he was absent from both morning parade and afternoon parade and also absent from Tattoo Roll Call and absent from Orderly Room after being duly warned. He forfeited 14 days pay. A week later, on 23 November he was wounded in action. On 19 December he was taken on Hospital Ship St George to England with gunshot wounds to head and right knee. His injuries were severe and he was sent home to Australia on 21 July 1917, and discharged on 9 November 1917. He was granted a pension of 60/- per fortnight.
In 1924 he wrote to Base Records from 23 Stewart Street, Yarraville requesting his medals. Nothing else is known of his life after the war.
He died on 4 March 1949.