James was born in 1941 and studied music with René Leibowitz in Paris. He has been composing music for film and television for six decades and is the founder of Norfolk Music Publishing Ltd.

James has had a very rich and varied career as a film director, TV programme producer and director and as a composer. As well as many iconic library music pieces James has composed choral works, a piano concerto, a requiem and an opera. His music continues to be heard across the globe.