An entrepreneur, James was a crucial figure in the founding of Rugby League in Australia. In 1907, James organised and financed a team to play the New Zealand team en route to England.
James attended the formation of every NSWRFL club that played in 1908 and liaised with administrators in Brisbane to help set up the interstate series. James was the first secretary of the NSWRFL, and James was also the first president of Annandale. James organised and financed the first tour to Great Britain. Unfortunately, the tour was a financial failure and bankrupted James.
In 1909, James and the other founders of Rugby League in NSW were kicked out of office. James remained honorary secretary of the NSWRFL until early 1950.
James passed away on September 6 1950.
From 1951-1996, the NSWRL/ARL premiers were presented the J.J Giltinan Shield as an additional trophy to the Cup. Since 1997 the minor premiers of the ARL/NRL have been presented with the J.J Giltinan Shield. In 1989, James was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. In 2019, James was inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame.