Hetfield in 2012, photo by prphotos
Birth Name: James Alan Hetfield
Place of Birth: Downey, Los Angeles, California, United States
Date of Birth: August 3, 1963
Ethnicity: English, some German and Scots-Irish/Northern Irish, other
James Hetfield is an American musician, singer, and songwriter. He is a co-founder, lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, main songwriter, and lyricist for heavy metal band Metallica. The band’s members have also included/include Cliff Burton, Kirk Hammett, Ron McGovney, Dave Mustaine, Jason Newsted, and Lars Ulrich.
James is the son of Cynthia Bassett and Virgil Greeley Hetfield, who was born in Nebraska. His parents were strict Christian Scientists, who disapproved of any medicine or medical treatments. His mother stayed true to her beliefs until her death from cancer.
James is married to Francesca Tomasi, with whom he has three children.
James’s paternal grandmother was Violet Clara Marie Hetfield (the daughter of John Gregory Hetfield and Nellie Elvira Wishman/Whishman). Violet was born in Nebraska. John was the son of David Griswold Hetfield and Sarah A. Havens. Nellie was the daughter of Augustus Wishman/Whishman, who was German, and of Frances/Francis Loraine/Lorena/Laurena McJunkins/McJunkin.
James’s maternal grandfather was Ralph Carroll Nourse (the son of Charles Wesley Nourse and Lucy Fidelia Sanford). Ralph was born in Massachusetts, and was of Colonial American (English) descent. Charles was the son of Rufus Carroll Nourse and Abby Ann Hall. Lucy was the daughter of Calvin Sanford and Julia Ann Williams.
James’s maternal grandmother was Alice Adelaide Gleed (the daughter of James Alexander Gleed and Alice Martha Hill). James’s grandmother Alice was born in Woolwich, Greenwich, London, England. James’s great-grandfather James Gleed was the son of William Gleed and Adelaide Maynard. James’s great-grandmother Alice Hill was the daughter of George Hill.
Sources: Genealogy of James Hetfield – https://www.wikitree.com
James’s father on the 1940 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org
James’s father on the 1950 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org
Draft registration of James’s father – https://www.familysearch.org
Death records of James’s father – https://www.familysearch.org
https://www.familysearch.org
James’s paternal grandmother, Violet Clara Marie Hetfield, on the 1910 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org
Violet Clara Marie Hetfield on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org
Marriage record of James’s paternal grandmother, Violet Clara Marie Hetfield – https://www.familysearch.org
Death record of James’s paternal grandmother, Violet Clara Marie Hetfield – https://www.familysearch.org
Marriage record of James’s paternal great-grandparents, John Gregory Hetfield and Nellie Elvira Wishman/Whishman – https://www.familysearch.org
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