Judge Arthur James was born in Plymouth, Luzerne County, on July 14, 1883. He graduated from Plymouth High School in 1901 and Dickinson Law School in 1904. Judge James was then admitted to the bar associations of Cumberland and Luzerne Counties.
He began his career in private practice and was elected District Attorney of Luzerne County in 1919. In 1926, Judge James was elected Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania. He served in that position until his term expired in 1931.
Judge James was elected to the Superior Court in 1932 and served for six years. Thereafter, he was elected Governor of Pennsylvania in 1938. Judge James resumed his private law practice in Plymouth. He passed away on April 27, 1973, at the age of 89.