Frank James, born in Brownhills in Staffordshire, signed from Manchester City and played in the Southern League for Exeter City during 1910/11. He had earlier been with West Bromwich Albion.

Frank’s first club was Brownhills Albion followed by Bloxwich Strollers from where, on the initial recommendation of a spectator, he was signed by West Bromwich Albion. Playing regularly for Albion's reserves, he represented the Football Association in a game in Glasgow against a Scottish Juniors XI after escaping unscathed from a train crash on the way to the game. Moving next to Manchester City he made a couple of Football League appearances for his new club prior to signing for Exeter City in 1910. 

Variously described as 'a true centre-forward' and ‘as slippery as an eel’, Frank made his debut against Brentford at St James’ Park on 3 September 1910 as he went on to make 24 Southern League appearances (scoring six goals) during his only season with the Grecians.

He left the club at the end of the 1910/11 season and does not appear to have played professional football again although he is recorded as also having appeared for Whitchurch and Halesowen.