A half-length portrait, very slightly to right, in a dark coat and white neckcloth, painted in about 1830. With short white hair, the sitter looks out of the picture space to meet the gaze of the viewer.

For many years in the early part of the 19th century James held the position of Master Smith in the Royal Dockyard at Woolwich. The dockyard was founded in 1512, followed by a ropeyard half a mile away in 1610, it was particularly important during the 16th and 17th centuries. But its value gradually declined owing to limited space, facilities and the silting of the Thames. By 1800 it was restricted to shipbuilding; fitting vessels built at Deptford or merchant yards; and refitting small ships from the Nore. In 1839 a steam factory was established at Woolwich. The ropeyard closed 1835 and the yard in 1869.

The artist painted several similar portraits subjects such as one of the Harbour Master of Ramsgate which he exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1832.