[1][2] Lister played collegiate for Sam Houston State and was inducted to the team's Hall of Honour in 1981.

Lister was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the third round of the 1973 NBA draft with the 41st overall pick.

[1] From 1978 to 1980, Lister played in the Netherlands for Nashua Den Bosch, where he averaged 12.0 points over 83 games and was named the Most Valuable Player of the 1978–79 season.

[4][5] He played for the CDCP Road Builders of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) in their 1981 season.

[6] James was the brother of Alton Lister, who is also a former basketball player and current coach.