Stephen James (born 2 May 1961 in Cannock)[1][2] is an English retired professional snooker player.

[2] A former postman, the high point of his career was his sole ranking title – the Classic in 1990, beating Australian Warren King 10–6 in the final.

[3] On 14 April 1990, in his match against Alex Higgins at the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield, James became the first player to produce a 16-red total clearance in competitive play.

[4] A year later he reached the semi-finals of the World Snooker Championship, beating defending champion Stephen Hendry in the quarter-finals.

[5] James became wealthy through snooker, but was banned from driving in 1996,[6] and in 1998 declared himself bankrupt after spending £700,000 on "fast living", even having to sell his practice table.