This Apostle James is referred to as James the Lesser. This is most likely due to his age in comparison to James the son of Zebedee. His father was a man named Alphaeus who is also called Cleopas and Cleophas. This Alphaeus was apparently the brother of Joseph and therefore James is most likely the cousin of Jesus. This is what is meant by "brother" of the Lord in Galatians 1:9. We also know that James' mother was named Mary.

On a side note, Jesus did have 1/2 brothers and sisters. Many of them are present in the day of Pentecost following Jesus' resurrection. See Acts 1:13-14.

According to Paul, James had a private experience with the resurrected Savior (1 Corinthians 15:7).

This James was the author of the book that bears his name in our Bibles. The purpose of his writing is an exhortation to godly living in thankfulness. Some misunderstand his intentions with the phrase "justified by works," but this is easily reconciled with Paul's position of justified by faith.

James tells us that the only true evidence of internal faith is outward works. However, he does not intend for us to understand the works to justify us before a Holy God. We are declared righteous in that court by the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ. James' intent is to spur us in the experience of our justification. The court in question is our own conscience. When we walk by faith, we feel or experience that we are justified by God.