James was known as "Fargo", after a brand of trucks, because of his strength and tendency to crush opponents.
In 1919 James left Tobago for Trinidad, where he worked in the oil fields and later as a stevedore, working for Brighton Lake Asphalt, which produced and exported asphalt from the Pitch Lake in La Brea.
A. Cipriani and later the Federated Workers Trade Union led by Albert Gomes and Quintin O'Connor.
James became a successful businessman, supplying labour contracts in the oil fields and stevedore services in Port of Spain.
After being defeated by Robinson in the 1961 General Elections, James retired from politics and died shortly thereafter.