James was well known in the dairy industry around Australia, and served as secretary and official advocate of the Milk Producers' Association from its inception until his death.
[1][2][3] James first attempted to enter politics at a 1929 by-election, when he contested the seat of Gippsland West as a Nationalist candidate.
He ran what was widely touted as a strong campaign, but lost to Country Party candidate Matthew Bennett.
He was succeeded at the subsequent by-election by Country Party Leslie Webster, who had served with James on the executive of the Milk Producers' Association.
[7] He was married with three children, one of whom was killed in a Royal Australian Air Force training accident in November 1942.