First elected to Congress in 1988, James served two terms from 1989 to 1993, as a Republican he represented the Florida's 4th congressional district in Congress. Following reappointment of the state’s congressional seats, he did not seek reelection in 1992 and continued to practice law in DeLand.
Later career
Currently he resides in DeLand, Florida. He is a partner and founding member of James & Zimmerman, P.L. in DeLand.