Jacob James Siemens was born on Nov. 1, 1885 in Chortitza, Yekaterinoslav, Russian Empire (what is now in Ukraine) . His parents were Jacob W and Susanna (Sawatsky) Siemens. The family were German Mennonites that emigrated to Russia and cluster into small, isolated farming communities.

JJ Siemens married Katharina Unruh in Saskatchewan, Canada on July 2, 1908. Katharina died in 1952 and JJ died in 1954.

Their first child was Susanna born June 18 1909 in Aberdeen, Saskatchewan, Canada. Susie died in 1999.

Menno Ernest was born November 27 1910 in Aberdeen, Saskatchewan, Canada. Menno died in 1979.

Jacob "Jake" was born April 9 1913 in Waldheim, Saskatchewan, Canada. Jake died in 1989.

John E was born April 11 1914 in Waldheim, Saskatchewan, Canada. John died in 1985.

Ruben was born June 8 1921 in Shafter, California. Ruben died 1987.

Ruben was my father and JJ Siemens was my grandfather.