James was the son of Richard and Elizabeth (nee DYCKHOFF) and was baptised in All Saints church, Isleworth on 3rd July 1774.
On 1st January 1807 he married Ann GODDARD at St Mary Ealing. Between 1808 and 1809 the Hanwell Poors rates record the presence of James or John RIMELL (as well as his father Richard). The parish records record the baptisms of eight children between 1807 and 1824 with their father’s name being recorded variously as James or John. They also had a son Richard who was born about 1827 but for whom we have no birth or baptism record.
Between 1817 and 1826 he served as Headborough for Hanwell. In 1826 he was sent to prison for debt and his wife received 6 shillings per week for relief. He was released after petition on 21st September 1826 and the court records show his name as John James RIMELL. From the churchwardens accounts he had repaid his arrears by 1830. His occupation was recorded as Gardener or Labourer.
He died on 20th January 1849 and was buried in St Mary Hanwell churchyard on 28th January 1849.