James received his medical training at the London Hospital, qualifying M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P. in 1886, and D.P.H. in 1901. He joined the Medical Services on 5th February 1887 at the rank of Lieutenant, being promotion to Captain on 5th February 1887; to Major on 5th March 1899; and to Lieutenant Colonel on 30th August 1911. Serving in Glasgow at the outbreak of war, he was posted to serve as Commanding Officer for the 3rd Field Ambulance, entering the war with the unit on 19th August 1914. He was appointed to No 2 General Hospital, and replaced by Major W Hooper, who reported his arrival on 29th September 1914. Sir John French mentioned James in his despatches after Mons, The Marne and The Aisne - September and November. On 1st March 1915, he was promoted to Colonel. On the 29th September 1916 he was placed on temporary half pay due to ill-health. James was the son of Col Sir Alex Brooke Morgan and grandson of Alexander Brathwaite Morgan.