James was educated at Aberdeen Grammar School and at Aberdeen University, where he graduated M.B. in 1878 and M.D. in 1889. He took up practice in Sunderland in 1878 and at one time served in the Durham Artillery Volunteers, earning the Long Service Medal for service in the Sunderland Volunteer Life Brigade. He joined the R.A.M.C. at the outbreak of war and, on being offered hospital work, made personal application to be sent on active service. His application was successful and in May 1915 he was appointed to the Hospital Ship ''Asturias'' on which he served during the evacuation at Suvla Bay, and also when she was torpedoed on her way from Avonmouth to Southampton. In July 1917, he was serving on the hospital ship "Warilda", where, for a short time, he acted as the commanding officer. On 11th July 1918 he became the commanding officer of the hospital ship "Aberdonian" but by the 23rd was found ill and confined to his bed. He was visited between 8 and 9pm that evening where he was found to be cheerful and improved. However when he was visited again the next morning he was found to have died. His death was diagnosed as fatty degeneration of heart. His body was taken to Netley that afternoon. James was the son of Alexander Beattie, a farmer; and was the husband of Anne Beattie of 5 Park Place West, Sunderland.