He designs and makes work to commission using predominately British limestone, sandstone and slate. He trained at City & Guilds on the Lettering Diploma Course and graduated in 1985. An apprenticeship to Richard Kindersley followed with some time spent as assistant to Ralph Beyer in London before setting up his own workshop. Work is found throughout the UK with some pieces abroad. Recent projects include memorials in Highgate cemetery, a large slate ledger for the Anstruther family in Scotland and a painted poetry artwork at Waterloo Station for poet Sue Hubbard which is over 40 metres in length.

Work is exhibited in group exhibitions from time to time and James has a long standing association with the Memorial Arts Charity.