James arrived 18/05/1883 on the Franklin from South Australia and returned 25/05/1883. He arrived 02/08/1886 on the Ballarat from Eastern colonies. He pioneered the Collie Timber Mills with R. Honey, sold to Jarrah Timber & Wood Paving Co. in 1887. He was contracted to supply sleepers for railway construction from Perth to Bunbury in 1893.