Zee James – Jesse’s “Poor” Wife
Zerelda Mimms James, affectionately known as "Zee," occupies a poignant, often overlooked, space in the tumultuous narrative of the American West. While her husband, Jesse James, carved his name into history with daring robberies and a larger-than-life outlaw persona, Zee’s story is one of quiet strength, enduring love, and the harsh realities faced by a woman left to pick up the pieces after a life steeped in notoriety. Born on July 21, 1845, in Logan, Kentucky, to Pastor John W. Mimms and Mary James Mimms, Zerelda was one of twelve children in a bustling family. Her lineage held a direct connection to the infamous outlaw: her mother was the sister of Robert James, Jesse James’s father, solidifying their bond as first cousins. This familial tie would prove to be a defining factor in her life, intertwining her fate with that of a man who would become both her beloved husband and a figure of national controversy.
The narrative of Zee’s life cannot be separated from the shadow cast by her husband, Jesse. The circumstances of their initial meeting are steeped in family connection. Jesse, seeking refuge and perhaps a respite from his burgeoning life of crime, temporarily resided with his aunt and uncle in Missouri in 1865. It was during this period that a spark ignited between the cousins, defying the societal constraints of their close relation. The romance blossomed, leading to a nine-year engagement. This extended betrothal coincided with the zenith of the James-Younger Gang’s activities, a period marked by audacious bank and train robberies that cemented Jesse James’s place in the annals of outlaw history. It’s difficult to imagine the weight of this secret relationship, the knowledge of her fiancé’s double life, and the constant fear that must have shadowed Zee James during those years.
Finally, on April 24, 1874, Zee and Jesse exchanged vows at her sister’s home in Kearney, Missouri, solidifying their union in a private ceremony far removed from the public eye that constantly scrutinized Jesse’s actions. The honeymoon that followed was a brief respite from the chaos that defined their lives. They sought solace on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico in Galveston, Texas, hoping to enjoy a semblance of normalcy. However, even in this seemingly idyllic setting, the long arm of the law, or rather, the insatiable appetite of the press, intruded upon their privacy. A reporter from the St. Louis Dispatch managed to track down the elusive Jesse, succeeding where the infamous Pinkerton detectives had failed. This incident served as a stark reminder that even in their most intimate moments, the shadow of Jesse’s outlaw life loomed large. The honeymoon, intended as a sanctuary, became another chapter in the ongoing saga of Jesse James, further intertwining Zee James‘s life with his notorious reputation.
The couple’s union brought forth three children, though tragedy would mark their family life. Their firstborn, Jesse Edward "Tim" James, arrived on August 31, 1875, bringing joy and hope to the family. However, their subsequent attempt to expand their family was met with sorrow. On February 28, 1878, Zee gave birth to twins, Gould and Montgomery, but both tragically died either at birth or shortly thereafter, leaving an indelible mark of grief on the young family. The arrival of a daughter, Mary Susan James, on June 17, 1879, brought renewed hope and completed their family. These children became the center of Zee’s world, a source of unwavering love and a constant reminder of the normalcy she desperately craved amidst the turmoil of her husband’s life. The children, however, were also vulnerable, their innocence threatened by the constant danger surrounding their father.
By 1876, the notorious James-Younger Gang, once a formidable force in the world of outlawry, had effectively dissolved following the disastrous Northfield, Minnesota raid and the subsequent capture of the Younger brothers. However, Jesse, driven by an insatiable need for adrenaline and financial gain, assembled a "new" James Gang, continuing his career of robbing trains. The final act of this outlaw drama unfolded on September 7, 1881, near Glendale, Missouri. Following this last hold-up, Jesse made the decision to relocate his family to St. Joseph, Missouri, seeking anonymity under the assumed name of Tom Howard. Living under a pseudonym, with a $10,000 reward hanging over his head, Jesse’s life remained shrouded in secrecy. Zee James, burdened by the constant fear of discovery, pleaded with Jesse to abandon his life of crime and embrace a more conventional existence. He relented, agreeing to one final, grand bank robbery in Platte County, Missouri, hoping that this last score would provide them with the financial security to finally live a normal life.
Tragically, this promise of a peaceful future was shattered on April 3, 1882. During a meeting at their home to plan the Platte County robbery with Charles and Robert "Bob" Ford, Jesse was shot and killed by Bob Ford. This act of betrayal, motivated by the lure of the reward, forever altered the course of Zee’s life and plunged her and her children into a maelstrom of grief and uncertainty.
The scene that followed the assassination was one of unimaginable horror. Zee and her children were in the kitchen when the fatal shot rang out. Young Jesse Jr., witnessing the gruesome scene, was forever scarred by the image of his father lying in a pool of blood. Zee’s screams filled the house, a testament to her profound grief and the shattering of her dreams. While Bob Ford fled the scene, Charles Ford lingered momentarily, attempting to offer a feeble excuse that the gun had discharged accidentally, before quickly joining his brother in their escape. The news of Jesse James’s death spread like wildfire, drawing crowds of onlookers to the house, eager to witness the aftermath of the infamous outlaw’s demise. Young Jesse Jr., unaware of his father’s true identity, believed his name to be John Davis Howard and his own to be Tim Howard. The revelation of his father’s true identity and the nature of his life as Jesse James, the notorious outlaw, must have been a devastating blow to the young boy.
The aftermath of Jesse’s death brought further indignities. His body was packed in ice and transported by train to Kearney, Missouri, where it was put on public display, attracting throngs of curious onlookers, admirers, and morbid souvenir hunters. He was eventually buried on the family farm, in a plot near the house, ensuring that his mother, Zerelda, could keep watch over his grave and prevent further desecration.
Despite the widespread belief that Jesse had amassed a fortune through his criminal activities, Zee and her children found themselves in dire financial straits. The only possessions of value were a few weapons, some stolen jewelry, and various pieces of memorabilia. These meager belongings were soon auctioned off to settle debts, forcing Zee and her children to seek refuge with her brother in Kansas City.
The emotional toll of Jesse’s death was immense. Zee, consumed by grief and depression, retreated into a world of perpetual mourning. She donned black clothing and never deviated from it, a constant visual reminder of her loss. She never remarried, choosing instead to live a life of seclusion, dedicated to preserving the memory of her husband and protecting her children from further harm. Young Jesse James, Jr., forced to grow up prematurely, began working at the age of eleven to support his mother and sister. Despite the hardships and numerous offers to capitalize on Jesse’s life through books and other publications, Zee James steadfastly refused, determined to protect her husband’s legacy and shield her children from further exploitation. The strength and resolve she demonstrated in the face of adversity are a testament to her character and her unwavering devotion to her family.
Zee James passed away on November 13, 1900, in Kansas City, Missouri, and was laid to rest in the Mount Olivet Cemetery in Kearney, Missouri. Approximately eighteen months later, her husband’s remains were exhumed from their original resting place on the James Family Farm and reinterred next to her, reuniting them in death. Their graves stand as a poignant reminder of a life lived in the shadows of notoriety, a love story intertwined with crime and tragedy, and the enduring strength of a woman who faced unimaginable challenges with unwavering resilience. The story of Zee James is a powerful reminder that behind every legendary figure, there are often unsung heroes who bear the weight of their choices and legacies.