James Turner Whiteley was born in Sheffield around 1863, the son of James Whiteley, a fork manufacturer and Sarah Whiteley. The 1871 census lists them living in Broadfields, Ecclesall.  By 1881 the family were living at 66 Countess Road, Highfields, James Turner is listed as an ivory fluters apprentice and his father a fork manufacturer employing 6 men and 1 boy. James' brother, John Henry age 25, was also employed as a fork manufacturer. 

James Turners' father died in 1888 and, in 1894, James went into partnership with James Hardy to form Hardy & Whiteley advertising electro-plated products, located at Cambridge Street.  The partnership lasted nine years (i.e. until 1903), James T continued to operate the business under his own name at the same address. Kelly's 1934 Directory listed the company as 'Silver & Plated Fruit & Dessert Knife & Fish Carver Manufacturers' and also 'Stainless Table Knife Manufacturers'. 

James T Whiteley died at Sheffield Royal Hospital 12th January 1936 whilst living at 22 Alderson Place. The probate documents name his executor as John William Cartiledge, a cutler, with effects valued at £1347 2s.