 He studied law, was admitted to the bar of Chester County, Pennsylvania in 1825 and commenced practice in West Chester, Pennsylvania.He was a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate for the 4th district from 1835 to 1836 and the 3rd district from 1837 to 1838.James was elected as an Anti-Masonic candidate to the Twenty-sixth Congress and reelected as a Whig to the Twenty-seventh Congress.