James FitzGerald, 6th Earl of Desmond (died 1463),[1][2] called 'the Usurper', was the youngest son of Gerald FitzGerald, 3rd Earl of Desmond, and Lady Eleanor, daughter of James Butler, 2nd Earl of Ormond. The younger brother of John FitzGerald, 4th Earl of Desmond, James was uncle to the 4th Earl's only son Thomas FitzGerald, 5th Earl of Desmond, whom he was able to deprive of his earldom and dispossess in 1418 for marrying far below his station. Although not acknowledged until 1422, he was in 1420 made Seneschal of Imokilly, Inchiquin, and the town of Youghal, by James Butler, 4th Earl of Ormond. In 1423 he was made Constable of Limerick for life. In 1445 he was excused attendance at Parliament.
Along with his son-in-law Thomas FitzGerald, 7th Earl of Kildare, James was a prominent Irish supporter of the House of York.
He was also godfather to George Plantagenet, 1st Duke of Clarence.
Dying in 1462 or 1463, Desmond is buried in Youghal.
James married Mary, daughter of either Ulick or William de Burgh, and they had issue two sons:
and two daughters:
| Peerage of Ireland | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Thomas FitzGerald |
Earl of Desmond 1st creation 1418–1463 |
Succeeded by Thomas FitzJames |