Career
He was created Earl of Moray in 1501, and was young enough to avoid fighting at the disastrous Battle of Flodden in 1513. He went on to have a varied relationship with his half-brother James V, and was imprisoned for a time. In February 1531, James V gave him a commission to negotiate with rebels in Scottish Isles and offer them pardons for future obedience.
The 16th-century historian John Lesley praised this Earl for his diplomatic skills.
He had homes in Edinburgh, Balnageith near Forres, Elgin and Darnaway Castle. He wrote a will in June 1540, when he was planning to travel to France for the sake of his health.
James Stewart married Lady Elizabeth Campbell, daughter of Colin Campbell, 3rd Earl of Argyll and Jean Gordon, in August 1529. She died childless. Elizabeth Campbell, Countess of Moray married John Gordon, 11th Earl of Sutherland but died c.1548.