(27/04/1866-26/07/1951).
James was born in Western Australia. He was the son of William Bedford and Caroline (maiden name Horgan). James was married to Clara Robinson Spencer (12/08/1864-10/1949). Clara was the daughter of William and Hannah (maiden name Properjohn). Their children were Robert Francis Purnell, Roy Bedford, Gerald James, a stillborn son in 1891 at Northam, Jean Clara, Norman Keith (1899-1899) died in Northam and Philip William (1901-1901). Entered West Australian Bank as a clerk in 1885 at Bunbury, then in 1888 at Geraldton, became a successful bank manager and farm manager at Northam by 1895, later resigned in 1902. Elected Member of Legislative Assembly Northam in 1905. Minister of Agriculture in 1909, Minister for Industry 1916/7, National Party 1918, Premier and Treasurer 1919, until he was defeated 1933. He was knighted in 1921, was Lieutenant Governor between 07/1933 and 10/1946, and then Governor until 30/06/1951. In 1922 he was noted for his campaign to settle eastern Wheatbelt and unsuccessful Group Settlements of the South West after World War 1. Education was at Bunbury. His religion was the Church of England.