We know little about James and a lot more about Philip.
James was known as James, Son of Alphaeus. He was picked as one of the disciples. He is not to be confused with the other James who wrote the letter in the New Testament and whose feastday is on July 25th.

Philip came from the same town as Peter and Andrew, Bethsaida in Galilee. Like the other disciples, Philip took a long time coming to realise who Jesus was. On one occasion when Jesus saw the great multitude following him and wanted to givem them food, he asked Philip where they should buy bread for the people to eat. Philip answers: “Six month’s wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” As so often, the disciples start by doubting and have to be convinced by the actions of Jesus. But we don’t need much convincing ourselves to know the impact of Philip and James in the early Church. They were full of energy, life and enthusiasm and in their own way did much to spread the Good News of Jesus. Today is their feast day and we ask their many blessings on us.