James was educated at Cargilfied; at Fettes College; at Glasgow University, and at University College, London. He joined the London Hospital as an Assistant to the Pathological Institute in 1912. He also studied for a D.P.H. at Cambridge University, where he was when war broke out. He volunteered for service, being gazetted Lieutenant in the R.A.M.C. (special Reserve) on 22nd September 1914. He proceeded to France on 7th November, becoming attached to No 8 Casualty Clearing Station and remaining with them until 16th February 1916, when he joined the 8th Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment as their medical officer. During this time he gained promotion to Captain in April 1915. James was mentioned in Despatches by F.M. Sir John French, for gallant and distinguished service in the field. He was awarded the Military Cross “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in action. He rendered valuable service when attending the wounded under heavy machine-gun and shell fire. Later he went out into ‘No Man’s Land’ to succour the wounded.” He was killed near Loos. Col. Lord Ampthill, Officer Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment wrote: “He established his Aid Post as near the fighting line as possible, and there he worked with unremitting zeal and devotion and without a thought of danger till the end. I can honestly tell you that no medical officer could have been more beloved in the battalion than he was. We all feel that we shall never see his like again. There is nobody in the battalion whose loss we could feel more keenly.” James was the son of Major Adam Elliot (Officer Commanding Clyde Brigade of Royal Engineer Submarine Miles and died 31st May 1893) and Mary Bruce Murray (daughter of John Bruce Murray) Black of Finglen, Campsie Glen, Stirlingshire.