James was educated at Anderson’s College, Glasgow, and at Glasgow University, where he took the M.B. and C.M. in 1896. He served in the South African war in 1900-1901, in the Orange Free State and Orange River Colony, and was present in the actions at Houtnek and Wittebergen - receiving the Queen’s medal with two clasps for his service at the time. He then went into practice at Newlands, Glasgow, having also served for some time as physician to the Stewarton Hospital. He was the author of ‘Diet Charts for the Use of Physicians’. He entered the medical department of the auxiliary forces in 1902, holding the rank of honorary Lieutenant in the army from 21st December 1901, he also held the rank of Captain from 17th February 1906 and Major from 6th November 1914. He was mortally wounded by Turkish shellfire while the battalion was in rest camp shortly after landing. James was the son of James Taylor, Governor of Barlinnie Prison, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, and Jane (née Craik) Taylor of Ayr, Ayrshire; and the husband of Agnes W Taylor of Newlands, Glasgow.