Background
He was the son of philosopher and psychologist William James, nephew of novelist Henry James.
He was the son of philosopher and psychologist William James, nephew of novelist Henry James.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, James graduated with an Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University in 1899 and a Bachelor of Laws from Harvard Law School in 1904.
He practiced law in Boston until 1912, when he became business manager of the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research. He also edited The Letters of William James (1921).
During World War I he was a member of the Rockefeller Foundation"s War Relief Commission, served as a private in the 89th Infantry Division, and was commissioned as a lieutenant.
