James Lou Lakes is the son of Jacob Lakes and Eliza Ann Johnson Lakes. He is the grandson of Thomas Lakes and Susan Gabbard Lakes and the great grandson of John Lakes and Mary Abrams.

His siblings are Thomas Jeremiah (Jerry) Lakes, Edward Lakes, Jacob W. Lakes, George Matt Lakes, Dora Jane Lakes, Fredrick (Fred) Lakes, Tony Lakes, Susan Lakes, and Rhoda Lakes.

Listed on US Census 1880, Kentucky, Jackson County, Horselick, District 49 page 10, Supervisor's District No. 3; Enumeration District No. 49; Voting Precinct 2; Enumeration Date: 7th Day of June, 1880; Enumerator: John G. Robinson:

Lakes, James, white, male, age 2, son, single, place of birth: Kentucky; Father's place of birth: Kentucky; Mother's place of birth: Kentucky; Parents: Jacob and Eliza Ann Lakes

Later census records show that James was married twice. First to Julie, then to Susan (Sudie).

US Census 1900, Kentucky, Jackson County, Horse Lick, District 59; 4th Magisterial District, Horse Lick; Supervisor's District No. 102, Enumeration District 59; Enumeration Date: 13 Jun 1900; Abner B. Johnson, Enumerator, Sheet No. 14A:

Lines 26-28, Residence 223; Family 233:
Lakes, James L., Head of Household; white, male, Date of Birth: Oct. 1877; age 22; married 3 years; place of birth: Kentucky; Father's place of birth: Kentucky; Mother's place of birth: Kentucky; Farm Laborer (day); speaks english; can read, can write, rents, home (not farm);
Lakes, Julia, wife, white, female, Date of birth: Feb 1878; age 22; married 3 years; 2 children born; 1 child living; place of birth: Kentucky; Father's place of birth: Kentucky; Mother's place of birth: Kentucky;
Lakes, Nancy J.; daughter, white, female, date of birth: Jan 1898; age 2; single; place of birth: Kentucky; Father's place of birth: Kentucky; Mother's place of birth: Kentucky;

1910: Listed as James L. Lakes
US Census 1910, Kentucky, Jackson County, McKee, District 90, Supervisor's District No. 11, Enumeration District 90; Enumeration Date 28-29 April 1910; Douglas G. Wood, Enumerator; Sheet No. 8b:

Lines 62-67; Residence 139, Family 142, Indian Creek Road:
Lakes, James L., HOH; male, white, age 29, marriage 2, 6 years, place of birth: Kentucky; Father's place of birth: Kentucky; Mother's place of birth: Kentucky; Farmer, General Farm; Own Accord;
Lakes, Susan, wife, female, white, age 28, M2; 6 years, children born: 6; children living: 4; place of birth: Kentucky; Father's place of birth: Kentucky; Mother's place of birth: Kentucky;
Lakes, Clarence, son, male, white, age 4, single, place of birth: Kentucky; Father's place of birth: Kentucky; Mother's place of birth: Kentucky;
Lakes, Cytha, daughter, female, white, age 3, single, place of birth: Kentucky; Father's place of birth: Kentucky; Mother's place of birth: Kentucky;
Lakes, Clevie, daughter, female, white, age 2, single, place of birth: Kentucky; Father's place of birth: Kentucky; Mother's place of birth: Kentucky;
Young, Lelie, daughter (probably daughter of Susan born from previous marriage); female, white, age 9, single, place of birth: Kentucky; Father's place of birth: Kentucky; Mother's place of birth: Kentucky;