James Potter was born on 27 March 1960 to Fleamont and Euphemia Potter; pure-blood wizards of considerable wealth and prestige. James' conception was very surprising, as his parents had given up on having a child after failing to conceive a child earlier in their marriage, and as such, his parents were quite old; his mother gave birth to him at the age of 51. As a "miracle child," James was pampered a great deal during his youth, leading him to become arrogant, boastful, and proud, but deep down, he was a good person.