James embarked upon his estate agency career in 1986 with Slater Hogg and Howison. Since 1994, he has been based in Bearsden and, in subsequent years, has represented more clients in the sale of their homes than any other agent in the area. In 2003, he was one of the founding Partners of Corum, Estate Agents. He joined Rettieās Bearsden office in March 2015. In 2024 James was made a Fellow of the National Association of Estate Agents.