Named for James Purington, an early settler,[6] the new city was incorporated in 1871.

[7] It was the hometown of Minnesota Governor Winfield Scott Hammond, a Democrat who served in 1915.

Tony Downs Foods Co. has been a major employer since 1947, processing poultry and frozen meals.

St. James has two properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places: the Grand Opera House, completed in 1892, and the Watonwan County Courthouse, completed in 1896.

33.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

32.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

The city owns and operates the St. James Municipal Airport.