 After working with his father and grandfather at the Killerton estate, James junior was sent to London to train with nurserymen there for two years.On his return to Devon, James junior used his new-found skills to help his father improve and expand the Exeter nursery, and in recognition of his contribution, he was made a partner in the nursery in 1838.In 1838 James Jnr married a farmer's daughter from Poltimore called Harriott Gould.