On 22 Jun 1632, sailed with 32 other men in the "Lyon", Capt Pierce, master. Accompanied by two sons, probably a niece and two nephews. Arrived 16 Sep 1632. Settled first at Mount Wollaston (late Braintree, now Quincy). Within a year moved to New Towne, near Cambridge, known as the Braintree Colony. His house was on the northerly side of Harvard St on or near the spot now occupied by the Wadsworth house, formerly the home of the President of Harvard. James was made a freeman on 6 Nov 1632 and was chosen constable on 3 Nov 1632 by popular vote (first elected constable). On 3 Feb 1634-5, he was one of seven selectmen and one of five to survey town lands and record them. On 15 Oct 1635, he was part of about 60 persons starting to Hartford, CT. They arrived in early November, but James arrived in the middle of June 1636.
His name is on the original Founders Monument in the Ancient Burying Ground.