In his down time, through James" interest in athletics and weight training, he finished in the top six for the Men"s Health Manitoba of the Year 2011 competition. After leaving Narwee Boys" High School in 1979, James joined the Rural bank, while undertaking his Bachelor of Commerce (Economics) at the University of NSW in 1984. Later, he completed a Master of Commerce (Economics) in 1988.
According to The Australian, James is the third most quoted man in Australian media. Completing regular media appearances in Australia and internationally, his reports such as the iPod index and State of the States are often reported upon and often called a "user-friendly" economic outlook for average individuals. James worked in branches, continuing on to Corporate, Planning and Economic, while the Rural Bank changed into the State Bank of New South Wales, followed by Colonial Group.
He became chief economist of Colonial Group in September 1997, later becoming chief economist at Commsec in August 2000 with the Commonwealth takeover of Colonial.
In 2002, James joined The Australian Financial Review to pursue his interest in journalism – although re-joined Commsec in 2003 – combining his interests in journalism and electronic media. At the start of 2012, James was appointed as Adjunct Professor in the Curtin Business School.
In combination with James" regular television, radio and print appearances, he completes a number of unique reports such as the State of the States and the iPod index. State of the States
Published quarterly, State of the States offer economic feedback on Australian States" performance.
Rankings and indicators designed by James are often covered by general media such as The Mercury, American Broadcasting Company and the Sydney Morning Herald.
In 2011, James finished in the top six for the Men"s Health Manitoba of the Year 2011 competition. Despite not placing in the contest, his top placing in the contest was commonly discussed during his regular Sunrise crosses.
