Jem Blythe

James Matthew "Jem" Blythe was the eldest son of Gilbert Blythe and Anne Shirley, the younger brother of Joyce (dec.), and the older brother of Walter, Anne, Diana, Shirley, and Rilla Blythe.

Biography
He, like all the Blythe children, enjoyed going down to Avonlea. He was Marilla's favorite, and they all knew it.

Birth
''"The nurse says the baby will have red hair. Anne's furious with her, and I'm tickled to death."

- Gilbert to Marilla after Jem's birth. ''

Jem was born at the House of Dreams in Four Winds. His family was very, very happy about his birth. Everyone was fearful that Jem would die and take Anne with him, but nothing of the sort happened.

First World War
Jem was extremely excited when England declared war on Germany. As soon as he could, he and Jerry went to Charlottetown to sign up.

In May of 1918, Jem declared "wounded and missing". In September 1918, Jem escaped from the German POW camp and arrived in Holland. From there he sent a telegraph to his family telling them that he was all right.

In the spring of 1919, Jem came home. He did not send word of his arrival, which caused some chaos when he arrived home.

"A black-and-yellow streak shot past the station agent. Dog Monday stiff? Dog Monday rheumatic? Dog Monday old? Never believe it. Dog Monday was a young pup, gone clean mad with rejuvenating joy"

- Dog Monday, when Jem steps off the train

Etymology
Jem was named after Captain James Boyd, a friend of Anne and Gilbert's, and Matthew Cuthbert, Anne's shy guardian in Anne of Green Gables.

Behind the scenes

 * Jem was the only surviving Blythe child who was born at the House of Dreams. All the others were born at Ingleside.

Appearances

 * Anne's House of Dreams
 * Anne of Ingleside
 * Rainbow Valley
 * Rilla of Ingleside

