James Warren Phelps was born in 1916 to James and Rose Phelps who lived in Berwyn, Pennsylvania. He was the oldest of three children. James, who liked to be addressed by his middle name Warren, graduated from Tredyffrin High School in 1931. The yearbook records:
Warren may have been a late comer once in a while but when exams arrived he was on hand promptly with all the information needed for a high grade. Warren is one of many Senior boys who were initiated into the mysteries of dancing in his final year. He enjoyed them, too. Warren was on the yearbook staff his 4th year as art editor.
Warren joined the Army Air Corps and became a flight officer. He died in an aircraft accident in Cleveland, Ohio, in April 1940.