He made his debut on 14 November 1925 in a Division 1 match against W.B.A at Anfield in a 2–0 win, and scored the first of his two goals for the club in a 3–1 defeat at the hands of Spurs at White Hart Lane on 17 December 1927.

After playing for Liverpool until 1933, he decided to have a complete change of career, becoming a minister in the Presbyterian church;[2][5] during his spell at Anfield he was nicknamed 'The Parson' because of his religious connections.

His father Jimmy (Newcastle United and Woolwich Arsenal), younger brother Archie (Sunderland and Tranmere Rovers), uncle Andrew[6] (Cambuslang and Scotland) and cousin Andy (Middlesbrough) were all also footballers.

His cousin, also named Archie, was a leading Australian Test cricketer, playing in the same side as Don Bradman.

[5] In his time at Aberdeen there were four Jacksons in the team for a short period[7] (the best known being 'Wembley Wizard' Alex, plus Wattie and Willie) but none were related to James.