James was described as one of the most promising players to come through the Port Vale youth system, and during the summer of 2009 he picked up interest from top-flight clubs, including Everton.

However, he was released by the Valiants in the summer of 2010 after playing 27 games. 

After a loan spell with Kidderminster. He then joined AFC Telford where he played 23 games. He was on loan to Altincham in 2011, and signed permanently in December 2011 helping  the club to win promotion from the Conference North via the play-offs in 2014. He played over 200 games for Altrincham before signing for Hednesford Town in 2017, moving to Nantwich Town 12 months later. He played 80 games for them scoring 10 times. 

James has played for Northern Ireland at Under 17, Under 19 and 21 to winning 3 Full International caps.