b) James the son of Zebedee
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Matt 4:21; Mark 1:19 and elsewhere) - the son of Zebedee and Salome and brother of John the Evangelist. In his early years he worked as a fisherman with his father and brother on the Lake of Gennesaret. The apostle James was present at several of the most important events in the Savior's life. Together with Peter and John he witnessed His Transfiguration on Tabor, was present at the raising of Jairus's daughter, and was in the Garden of Gethsemane during the Lord's sufferings before death.
James evidently possessed an active and energetic character; he was steadfast and resolute, and for his zeal for God he was put to death by Herod in AD 42-44 - specifically, he was beheaded (Acts 12:2). Thus the Savior's prediction was fulfilled (Luke 21:16). The first martyr among the apostles, he fell victim to Jewish hatred and cruelty. To distinguish him from James the Less, he is ordinarily called James the Greater. The holy apostle James is regarded as the patron saint of Spain. He died in AD 44 and was buried in Jerusalem. His commemoration is celebrated on April 30.