Hi

Sorry not been back, but not sure if the James I have been tracking down could be yours he is just plain James Perkins no H. in his name, This James born 1860 I did find his parents and his family.
The last sighting I have of this James in the late 1870 so may be to late for you James to be still in the country reading the post sounds like he could have already left, also my last sighting of him he gives his occupation as a miner.
I was going to say get in touch but I am now not to sure that he is the right James.

Good luck with your search

Shelagh