James Hetfield

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

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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.

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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 –

James’s father on the 1940 U.S. Census – James’s father on the 1950 U.S. Census –

Draft registration of James’s father –

Death records of James’s father –

James’s paternal grandmother, Violet Clara Marie Hetfield, on the 1910 U.S. Census – Violet Clara Marie Hetfield on the 1920 U.S. Census –

Marriage record of James’s paternal grandmother, Violet Clara Marie Hetfield –

Death record of James’s paternal grandmother, Violet Clara Marie Hetfield –

Marriage record of James’s paternal great-grandparents, John Gregory Hetfield and Nellie Elvira Wishman/Whishman –