[3]: 19–22  He had a brief spell as a salesman before he joined the Royal Aircraft Establishment in 1938 and became a Squadron Leader working on the development of radar at Farnborough during World War II.

[3]: 29–44 His management skills were commented on in Harry Miller's analysis of 21 post war British firms written for the Institute of Economic Affairs.

[17] £1 million donations were also made to purchase an ultra sound scanner for the ante natal clinic at Southmead and towards the creation of the new Bristol Children's Hospital.

[18] Following the cessation of the direct grant scheme in 1976, he made significant donations to all of the ex direct grant schools in Bristol to provide bursaries or assisted places to enable children of similar backgrounds to his own to have the same start in life and he also provided funding for bursaries for the existing three independent schools.

[19] He challenged the ten comprehensive schools to raise up to £100,000 each which he would match to create enrichment funds to support worthwhile activities and develop the personal qualities of every pupil.

[21] A five-part profile about James was published in the Bristol Evening Post under the banner 'Men of Fortune' by their London editor Don Hatwell in 1977.