By Russell M. Lawson, Catholic Exchange - James, the son of Zebedee and brother of John the Apostle, one of the first disciples of Jesus, was a fiery personality completely committed to the Great Commission. He was also the first martyr of Jesus’ disciples. His zeal bore the weight of sacrifice... The Gospels tell a story about the disciples and Jesus. Early in His ministry, Jesus was preaching to listeners near Capernaum, a place of fisherman, about the Kingdom of God. Among the listeners were two young men, James and John, the sons of a fisher named Zebedee. Jesus preached from a fishing boat owned by Simon Peter, who, with his brother Andrew, were fishers as well and likely engaged in business with the Zebedees.