After progressing through Albion's youth system, both twins turned professional in January 1999. James made his debut in a 0–0 draw with Port Vale on 15 January 2000. He made 78 appearances in total for the Baggies, with a significant number coming in the 2000–01 season. In the 1998–99 season he and his brother Adam became the first twins to represent England at any level when they appeared together during the World Youth Tournament in Nigeria. They were also the first twins to play for the Albion, and the first to play in same side for any club in the Premier League.