Saint James, son of Zebedee (death 44 AD) was one of the disciples (learners) of Jesus.
He was the son of Zebedee and Salome and brother of John the Evangelist.
He is called Saint James the Greater to distinguish (mark as different) him from the other apostle named James (James, son of Alphaeus).
James is described as one of the first disciples who joined Jesus.
The Synoptic Gospels tell that James and John were with their father by the seashore when Jesus called them to begin traveling (Mt.4:21–22, Mk.1:19–20).
According to Mark, James and John were called Boanerges, or the Sons of Thunder; (3:17).
Acts of the Apostles 12:1–2 records that King Herod had James executed by sword (Ac.12:1–2). He was likely the first of the apostles martyred for his faith.
St James is buried at Santiago de Compostela.
