[1] James' sportive lemur was described in 2006 based on genetic samples and morphometrics collected in 2000 as Lepilemur jamesi.

[7] The specific epithet jamesi honors Larry, Jeanette and Barry James for their support of Malagasy graduate students.

The face has whitish-gray markings across the jaw and throat from the chin to the ears, and the top of the head is brown with a black midline that continues down almost the entire length of the body.

The ears are gray on the back with black borders, usually with a small cream-colored path directly below on the sides of the face.

[9] James' sportive lemur is in decline due to habitat loss from shifting agriculture and unsustainable levels of hunting.